bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits of increasing surface to volume ratio for improving electrochemical performance of poly(3‐hexylthiophene): Electrospun fibers vs. films
Authors: Jelińska Aldona , Kalisz Justyna , Pociecha Damian , Maksymiuk Krzysztof , Michalska Agata 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report on successful preparation of conducting polymer nanofibers from regiorandom poly(3‐hexylthiophene). It is shown that the electrochemical properties of obtained structures are significantly improved in course of electrochemical doping process performed in the aqueous phase, moreover this process is accompanied with change of optical properties and water contact angle. These effects are not observed for polymer films. Moreover, doping of nanofibers results in pronounced, irreversible changes in the polymer structure – increased crystallinity due to incorporation of doping ions is confirmed by optical and X‐ray crystallographic studies. Ultimately, these changes lead to decreased resistance and improved electrochemical performance of nanofibers mat. As this effect is solely observed for nanofibers of conducting polymer, it can be ascribed to high surface to volume ratio of electrospun fibers mat. Therefore, it is shown for the first time that polythiophene electrochemical doping process effect is dependent on the format of the polymer applied, for nanofibers it can be regarded as attractive method of improving electrochemical properties of polymers.
A method for predicting fracture conductivity based on three‐dimensional spatial morphology features
Authors: Fei Gao , Junhai Chen , Yishan Lou 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe distribution of fracture clearance is an important factor that determines the conductivity of carbonate fractures. In this paper, the morphological analysis of acid fractures and the evaluation of acid fracture conductivity were carried out to test the characteristics of acid fracture clearance and the conductivity of acid fractures under the conditions of different acid rock reaction rates. Combined with the distribution rule of fracture clearance and the calculation formula of acid fracture conductivity under closure stress, the calculation formula of acid fracture conductivity of carbonate rocks is established and verified, and the influence rule of the distribution of fracture clearance on the conductivity of acid fractures is simulated and calculated. The results show that with the increase of the closure pressure, the conductivity of the fracture with a closure pressure of 60 MPa is about 94% lower than that of the fracture with a closure pressure of 10 MPa. The increase in acid dissolution rate is beneficial to improve the fracture conductivity under various closure stresses, and the acid dissolution is beneficial to reduce the influence of the closure stress on the fracture conductivity of acid dissolution. When the confining pressure is 10 MPa, the acid corrosion rate increases from 0.0001 to 0.0004 g/cm2 s, and the conductivity of the acid corrosion fracture increases from 27 to 420 μm2 cm. As the dissolution rate of acid solution increases, the proportion of large clearance on the fracture surface increases, the average value of total clearance increases, and the proportion of contact on the fracture surface decreases.
Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Finasteride, a 5α‐Reductase Inhibitor
Authors: Ko Hui C. , Jusko William J. 
Published: October 2023

Finasteride is a 4‐azasteroid inhibitor of one isoenzyme of 5α‐reductases that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). We characterized the time course of DHT concentrations. The following model was used to assess DHT pharmacodynamics:where joint fitting of three dose levels yielded koin = 28% change/hour, kout = 0.28 hour1, IC50 = 0.012 ng/ml, and Emax = 0.7. The modification of a previous model with the maximum partial effect factor, Emax, may be useful in characterizing the pharmacodynamics of drugs with similar indirect mechanisms.
Formation of Platinum‐DNA Adducts in Pediatric Patients Receiving Carboplatin
Authors: Tonda Margaret E. , Murry Daryl J. , Rodman John H. 
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To determine the extent of platinum‐DNA (Pt‐DNA) adduct formation in peripheral white blood cells of children with cancer.Design. Prospective study.Setting. Pediatric research hospital.Patients. Twenty‐seven children receiving carboplatin as part of therapy as defined by clinical research protocols.Interventions. Patients received various dosages of carboplatin over 1, 3, or 24 hours as a primary component of combination chemotherapy for pediatric solid tumors, brain tumors, or large cell lymphoma.Measurements and Main Results. The Pt‐DNA adducts were detectable in 10 (37%) of 27 patients. The median value was 3.4 fmol Pt/μg DNA (range 1.7–31.2 fmol) in patients with measurable values.Conclusion. The Pt‐DNA adducts were detected less frequently in pediatric patients than reported in adults. Variables that influenced their detection were higher carboplatin dosages or systemic exposure and short (1–3 hrs) versus prolonged (24 hrs) infusions.
Prolonged Ciprofloxacin Administration Does Not Accelerate Neutrophil Recovery after Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Hsu Jane , Prince H. Miles , Imrie Kevin R. 
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To determine whether prolonged ciprofloxacin administration following autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) accelerates neutrophil recovery.Design. Retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive patients undergoing ABMT.Setting. Tertiary care bone marrow transplant program.Patients. Two sequential arms of 20 consecutive patients with Hodgkin's disease or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma undergoing ABMT.Interventions. The first arm received ciprofloxacin from the day of transplantation until initiation of broad‐spectrum antibiotic therapy (median 5 days) while the second arm continued ciprofloxacin until recovery of the neutrophil count (median 15 days).Measurements and Main Results. Neutrophil recovery was similar in the two groups (16 vs 14 days; p=0.41). There were no differences in platelet recovery, bacteremia, or treatment‐related mortality.Conclusion. Prolonged ciprofloxacin administration does not significantly accelerate neutrophil recovery following ABMT.
Relation between microRNA‐155 and inflammatory mediators in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Elsayed Rania , Fayez Salwa , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Farghali Marwa , AbdelHamid Marwa , Alkaffas Marwa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system characterized by axonal damage, demyelination, and chronic inflammation. Multiple molecular and cellular components mediate neuroinflammation in MS. In human macrophages and microglia, miRNA‐155 is an essential proinflammatory noncoding RNA that regulates phenotypic and functional polarization properties. This study was conducted to detect the plasma level of miRNA‐155 in RRMS and assess its relationship with inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators. The study included 60 MS patients and 30 healthy controls. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect miRNA‐155, iNOS, and SMAD2, whereas ELISA was used to determine TNF‐α, IFN‐ɣ, TGF‐β, and IL‐10 levels. There was no significant difference in miRNA‐155, SMAD2, and iNOS expression in MS patients compared to control subjects. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in TNF‐α, INF‐ɣ, and TGF‐β levels. IL‐10 levels did not differ significantly between MS patients and healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between miRNA‐155 and TNF‐α (p < 0.000, r = 0.922), INF‐ɣ (p < 0.000, r = 0.81), and iNOS (p < 0.000, r = 0.916) and inverse correlation between miRNA‐155 and IL‐10 (p < 0.000, r = −0.928), TGF‐β (p < 0.000, r = −0.904) and SMAD2 (p < 0.000, r = −0.848). We conclude that expression of miRNA‐155 in MS may modulate macrophage/microglia polarization by increasing the secretion of TNF‐α, IFN‐ɣ & iNOS and decreasing anti‐inflammatory mediators IL10 and TGF‐β.
Betaine alleviates doxorubicin‐induced nephrotoxicity by preventing oxidative insults, inflammation, and fibrosis through the modulation of Nrf2/HO−1/NLRP3 and TGF‐β expression
Authors: Patel Dhaneshvaree , Yadav Poonam , Singh Sumeet K. , Tanwar Sampat S. , Sehrawat Abhishek , Khurana Amit , Bhatti Jasvinder S. , Navik Umashanker 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDoxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic used to treat various cancers and shows severe toxicity in multiple organ systems, including kidneys. Evidence shows that betaine's antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties could prevent the onset of several disorders. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of betaine on Dox‐induced nephrotoxicity (DIN). Nephrotoxicity was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats using Dox at a dose of 4 mg/kg (cumulative dose: 20 mg/kg) by the intraperitoneal route and cotreated with betaine through oral gavage (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical, oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, and qRT‐PCR were performed. DIN was indicated by elevated serum creatinine, urea, and decreased albumin levels representing kidney damage; the histopathological lesions (increased capsular space, renal tubule damage, and fibrosis) in renal tissues supported these biochemical findings. Interestingly, betaine treatment improves these alterations in Dox‐treated rats. Further, betaine treatment decreases the lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration and increases the superoxide dismutases and catalase enzyme concentration in Dox‐treated rats. Fascinatingly, at the molecular level, DIN in rats shows upregulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 gene, while betaine treatment attenuated its expression along with the downregulation of inflammatory genes (NLRP3, TLR‐4, TNF‐α, and IL‐6) and fibrosis‐related genes (TGF‐β and Acta2) expression in Dox‐treated rats. These results showed that betaine has reno‐protective properties by reducing inflammatory and fibrotic mediators and enhancing antioxidant capacity in the renal tissue of rats treated with Dox. We believe betaine can be exploited as a dietary supplement to attenuate DIN.
Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles shape trophoblast cell metabolism impairing functions associated to adverse pregnancy outcome
Authors: Lara Brenda , Loureiro Iñaki , Gliosca Laura , Castagnola Lara , Merech Fátima , Gallino Lucila , Calo Guillermina , Sassot Matías , Ramhorst Rosanna , Vota Daiana , Pérez Leirós Claudia , Hauk Vanesa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPeriodontitis is proposed as a risk factor for preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia with severe consequences for maternal and neonatal health, but the biological mechanisms involved are elusive. Porphyromonas gingivalis gain access to the placental bed and impair trophoblast cell function, as assessed in murine and human pregnancy, suggesting a pathogenic role in adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. P. gingivalis releases outer membrane vesicles (P. gingivalis OMV) during growth that spread to distant tissues and are internalized in host cells as described in metabolic, neurological, and vascular systemic diseases. Here we tested the hypothesis that P. gingivalis OMV internalized in trophoblast cells disrupt their metabolism leading to trophoblast and placenta dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes. An in vitro design with human trophoblast cells incubated with P. gingivalis OMV was used together with ex vivo and in vivo approaches in pregnant mice treated with P. gingivalis OMV. P. gingivalis OMV modulated human trophoblast cell metabolism by reducing glycolytic pathways and decreasing total reactive oxygen species with sustained mitochondrial activity. Metabolic changes induced by P. gingivalis OMV did not compromise cell viability; instead, it turned trophoblast cells into a metabolic resting state where central functions such as migration and invasion were reduced. The effects of P. gingivalis OMV on human trophoblast cells were corroborated ex vivo in mouse whole placenta and in vivo in pregnant mice: P. gingivalis OMV reduced glycolytic pathways in the placenta and led to lower placental and fetal weight gain in vivo with reduced placental expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1. The present results point to OMV as a key component of P. gingivalis involved in adverse pregnancy outcomes, and even more, unveil a metabolic cue in the deleterious effect of P. gingivalis OMV on trophoblast cells and mouse pregnancy, providing new clues to understand pathogenic mechanisms in pregnancy complications and other systemic diseases.
Appraisal of the capacity of natural oils for partitioning of itaconic acid via reactive extraction
Authors: Raghuwanshi Shourabh Singh , Wasewar Kailas L. , Athankar Kanti Kumar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDOwing to the continuous growth of petroleum prices over the last few decades, there has been a renaissance in interest in the large‐scale manufacturing of platform chemicals via the fermentation route. The present work emphasizes the extraction of itaconic acid from an aqueous solution by dissolving reactive tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) in natural, non‐toxic diluents such as sunflower oil, rice bran oil, and sesame oil.RESULTSThe experimental results were explained in terms of distribution coefficient (Ɗ), extraction efficiency (η%), equilibrium complexation constant (Ke), and loading ratio (ϕ). At the highest concentration of itaconic acid 0.250 mol L−1 and TBP 1.099 mol L−1, the maximum extraction efficiency and distribution coefficient for sunflower oil were obtained, at 88.72% and 7.94%, respectively. The diffusivity () of itaconic acid towards the interface of organic and aqueous phases was obtained as 1.11 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 with the Wilke–Chang equation and 4.40 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 using the Reddy–Doraiswamy relation. The lowest value of solvent‐to‐feed (S/F) proportion was estimated as 6.66, with the minimum number of stages required for counter‐current extraction being ~4.CONCLUSIONIn reactive extraction of itaconic acid with TBP, the highest extraction efficiency and distribution coefficient was attained with sunflower oil, followed by rice bran oil and sesame oil. Higher concentrations of itaconic acid (0.250 mol L−1) and TBP (1.099 mol L−1) are suitable combinations for all the natural diluents. Diffusivity values revealed the extent of diffusion of itaconic acid in the solvent phase and strongly depended on the density and viscosity of the solvent. The experimental results could be utilized to design a continuous extraction column. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laparoscopic versus robotic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy
Authors: Isiktas Gizem , Akgun Ege , Berber Eren 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDespite an increased adaptation of robotic adrenalectomy, its advantages over laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) have not been defined. The aim of the study was to compare perioperative outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy using a large single‐center experience.MethodsThis was a retrospective single center study. Within 22 years, patients who underwent laparoscopic and robotic transabdominal lateral adrenalectomy were identified from a prospective institutional review board‐approved database. Clinical and perioperative outcomes were compared using Mann−Whitney U and χ2 tests.ResultsThere were 190 patients who underwent laparoscopic and 281 patients who underwent robotic transabdominal lateral adrenalectomy. The groups were comparable except for a higher percentage of female patients in the robotic group. For robotic versus LA, operative time and hospital stay were shorter, in addition to less blood loss, conversion to open and margin positivity, for pheochromocytoma and malignant tumors. Morbidity rates were similar between the two groups.ConclusionsDespite the limitations of a retrospective design, this large study demonstrates significant advantages of robotic versus laparoscopic transabdominal lateral adrenalectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes and margin clearance.
Kinetics of esterification of acetic acid with n‐butanol over different homogeneous acid catalysts
Authors: Soni Rakhi , Jyoti Ghoshna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe esterification reaction of n‐butanol and acetic acid has been performed in batch reactor in the presence of different homogeneous acid catalyst, namely sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and para toluene sulfonic acid (p‐TSA). The objective of present research work is to investigate kinetic behavior of esterification reaction over the temperature range of 60°C–80°C. The effect of reaction parameter such as catalyst loading varied from 1% to 5% v/v and acid to alcohol molar ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 has been observed. A pseudo homogeneous kinetic model has been applied. Kinetic parameters such as equilibrium constant, reaction rate constant, enthalpy, activation energy, and entropy were calculated by the experimental data for different acid catalyst system. It was observed that sulfuric acid gives higher conversion 73% than p‐TSA 68.5% and nitric acid 66.25% at temperature of 80°C, 1:1 molar ratio and 3% catalyst concentration. The activation energy was estimated 36448.49, 23324.31 and 19060.156 J/mol K for three different catalyst sulfuric acid, nitric acid and p‐TSA respectively. The enthalpy and entropy of the esterification reaction of acetic acid with n‐butanol over three different catalysts has been calculated (Enthalpy: 25.788 KJ/mol, 12.256 KJ/mol, 28.320 KJ/mol, Entropy: 88.1 J/mol K, 45.298 J/mol K, 91.44 J/mol K) and found enthalpy is having positive value that shows reaction is endothermic.
Well‐controlled viremia reduces the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic viral hepatitis patients treated with lenvatinib
Authors: Hsiao Ya‐Wen , Sou Fai‐Meng , Wang Jing‐Houng , Chen Yen‐Hao , Tsai Ming‐Chao , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Hung , Kuo Yuan‐Hung 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLenvatinib has been approved as one of the first‐line treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its high treatment efficacy being non‐inferior to sorafenib. Previous studies have shown well‐controlled viremia contributes to the prognosis of HCC patients receiving first‐line sorafenib; hence, we postulated this association might also exist in HCC patients with lenvatinib treatment. From April 2018 to December 2021, 201 unresectable HCC patients with first‐line lenvatinib treatment in our institute were assessed. High‐effect nucleoside analogues were administered for hepatitis B virus (HBV) control, while direct‐acting antivirals were used for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. Based on our previous study, well‐controlled viremia was defined as patients who had undetectable viremia, or who had been receiving antivirals at least 6 months before lenvatinib. This study enrolled 129 patients, including 85 patients with HBV‐related HCC (HBV‐HCC) and 44 patients with HCV‐related HCC (HCV‐HCC), respectively. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates between the two groups were not different. Before administration of lenvatinib, 57.1% of the HBV‐HCC patients and 88.4% of the HCV‐HCC patients had well‐controlled viremia, and their PFS (8.8 vs. 3.1 months, p < 0.001) and OS (30.2 vs. 12.8 months, p = 0.041) were better than those who had uncontrolled viremia; moreover, well‐controlled viremia reduced tumor progression in multivariate analysis (Hazard ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.68, p = 0.001) after adjusting for albumin–bilirubin grade and concurrent treatment. HBV or HCV infection was not associated with tumor progression of HCC patients receiving lenvatinib, but viremia, controlled or not, was.
Postoperative Morbidity of Different Tonsillectomy Techniques: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Russo Elena , Festa Bianca Maria , Costantino Andrea , Bernardocchi Alice , Spriano Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo compare different tonsillectomy techniques in terms of postoperative bleeding incidence and postoperative pain.MethodsAn arm‐based network analysis was conducted using a Bayesian hierarchical model. The primary and secondary outcomes were postoperative bleeding incidence and mean postoperative pain score.ResultsA total of 6464 patients were included for five different interventions (cold dissection tonsillectomy; extracapsular coblation tonsillectomy; intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy [ICT]; bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy [BDT]; monopolar diathermy tonsillectomy). ICT showed the lowest absolute risk (4.44%) of postoperative bleeding incidence (73.31% chance of ranking first) and the lowest mean postoperative pain score (1.74 ± 0.68) with a 94.0% chance of ranking first, whereas BDT showed both the highest absolute risk of bleeding incidence (10.75%) and the highest mean postoperative pain score (5.67 ± 1.43).ConclusionsICT seems to offer better postoperative outcomes, in terms of reduced risk of bleeding and reduced pain. Further prospective studies are advised to confirm these findings.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:1696–1704, 2024
Soft Injectable Sutures for Dose‐Controlled and Continuous Drug Delivery
Authors: Alsaedi Mossab K. , Lone Omar , Nejad Hojatollah Rezaei , Das Riddha , Owyeung Rachel E. , Del‐Rio‐Ruiz Ruben , Sonkusale Sameer 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTransdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative to traditional methods such as oral ingestion and hypodermic injection. Hypodermic injections are painful, while oral ingestion requires higher doses due to enzymatic degradation and poor absorption. While microneedles address the pain issue, they are limited to delivering small amounts of drugs and can be impractical due to peeling off with motion and sweat. Herein, this work proposes soft injectables using drug‐carrying sutures for painless and localized sustained delivery in the dermis. These sutures can remain in place during delivery and are suitable for all skin types. Surgical sutures can also serve as open capillary microfluidic channels carrying drug from a wearable drug reservoir to enable long‐term (weeks to months) transdermal drug delivery. The experiments focus on delivering 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), a cancer drug, and rhodamine B, a drug model. A fixed‐length suture of 60 cm delivers 0.43 mg of 5‐flurouracil in 15 min. The experiments also demonstrate a continuous drug delivery of rhodamine B for over 8 weeks at a rate of 0.0195 mL h−1. The results highlight that soft injectable sutures are promising candidates for long‐term sustained delivery of varying quantities of drugs over weeks period compared to hypodermic injection, oral ingestion, or microneedles.