bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bitter potato starch‐based film enriched with copaiba leaf extract obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide: Physical–mechanical, antioxidant, and disintegrability properties
Authors: Pérez‐Córdoba Luis Jaime , Sánchez‐Pizarro Augusto , Vélez‐Erazo Eliana Marcela , Peña‐Carrasco Elizabeth Fiorela , Pasquel‐Reátegui José Luis , Martínez‐Tapia Patricia , Velezmoro‐Sánchez Carmen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFilms based on bitter potato starch (BPS) and its blends with chitosan (BPS‐Ch) or soy protein isolate (BPS‐SPI) loaded with copaiba leaf extract (E) are prepared via the casting method. The physical–mechanical and antioxidant properties of the as‐prepared films are compared with those of a control. Moreover, the half‐maximal degradation (t50) of the prepared films is calculated by fitting the Hill model to disintegrability kinetic data. Among the analyzed films, BPS‐Ch‐E exhibits the lowest (p < 0.05) solubility in water and opacity, strongest water vapor‐barrier (3.58 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1), and highest tensile strength and elongation at break. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of BPS‐Ch‐E and BPS‐SPI‐E demonstrate new peaks at 1550, 1239, and 1070 cm−1 corresponding to NH and CO stretching. The BPS‐E and BPS‐Ch‐E surfaces are devoid of scratches and phase separation. The incorporation of E significantly increases the antioxidant activity of the films. BPS‐SPI‐E and BPS‐Ch‐E demonstrate the lowest (t50 ≈ 1.4 days) and highest (t50 ≈ 3.5 days) disintegration rates, respectively, among the prepared films. E loading facilitates the development of films possessing beneficial physical–mechanical and antioxidant properties as well as rapid disintegrability, enabling their potential application as a eco‐friendly packaging material.
Wastewater‐based Epidemiology to Investigate Spatio‐Temporal Trends in Alcohol Consumption in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Wilson Miriama K. , Phung Kaitlyn , Chappell Andrew , Pilkington Lisa I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlcohol is an influential drug that has extensive societal impact. In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are a number of worrying trends related to alcohol consumption including rates of alcohol‐related harm and violence and heavy episodic drinking. To understand and address these issues, alcohol consumption rates and related trends need to be understood. A wastewater‐based epidemiology study was carried out over the course of six months (April–September 2021), sampling one week per month from ten catchment areas covering ~40 % of the national population. The average alcohol consumption was found to be 12.2 mL/person/day. Temporal and geographical trends in alcohol consumption were found; there was higher alcohol consumption on the weekends compared to weekdays, alcohol consumption was inversely related to settlement size, there was increased alcohol consumption due to public holidays and alcohol consumption was not seen to increase during COVID restrictions, however there was a notable change in the weekly trend during lockdowns. This application of alcohol WBE to Aotearoa New Zealand represents a comprehensive national study to understand alcohol consumption and its influences. The knowledge obtained will allow appropriate services and public policies to be reviewed to best serve communities.
Optimization and chemical free fabrication of green synthesized iron nanoparticles as potential MRI contrast agent
Authors: S Yuwvaranni , N Punitha , M Chamundeeswari 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe current research article has investigated the synthesis and characterization of novel iron nanoparticles (INPs) from neem and betel leaves extract combination using response surface methodology–central composite design and coated with chitosan–curcumin (CCINPs) as a biocompatible and contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The coating of INPs with chitosan and curcumin (CCINPs) was carried out using a simple, easy, chemical‐free ultrasonication method and characteristics were confirmed by UV–visible (Vis) spectrophotometer (UV–Vis), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The biocompatibility of the particles was ensured by conducting hemolytic and cell viability assays. The nanoparticle was found to be nonhemolytic (<5%) up to 150 μg/mL for both INPs and CCINPs. The cell viability was stable (peripheral blood mononuclear cells‐PBMCs) till 48 h at 150 μg/mL of INPs and CCINPs. Both the test results produced were found to be biocompatible and additionally, an in vitro MRI study of INPs and CCINPs demonstrated the efficiency of the nanoparticle as a negative contrast agent with enhanced contrast nature in CCINPs. Thus, overall results indicate that the green synthesized chemical‐free novel CCINPs could be a potential candidate for a wide range of applications such as MRI, drug delivery, and in magnetic fluid hyperthermia.
Visualizing acoustic levitation with COMSOL Multiphysics and a simple experimental setup
Authors: Muñoz‐Pérez Francisco M. , Castro‐Palacio Juan C. , Giménez Marcos H. , Monsoriu Juan A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe present a new virtual laboratory developed with COMSOL multiphysics for the simulation of an acoustic levitator, as well as a three‐dimensional (3D) printed experimental setup. Our software application simulates the acoustic pressure field and its interaction with a set of particles. Students can interact with the system having the possibility to change the frequency and distance parameters between transducers in real time. We have also developed and shared for free use the 3D printing design files for the construction of the necessary components for the acoustic levitator, as well as the instructions for its experimental implementation. The experimental results are contrasted, along with those from the virtual laboratory, providing students with useful tools to understand and interpret the acoustic phenomenon in question.
Comparison of percutaneous ablation and hepatectomy for liver metastasis: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Tawara Seiichi , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Kiyota Ryosuke , Maegawa Yuki , Shimizu Takeshi , Yamai Takuo , Kawai Shoichiro , Inoue Takuya , Komatsu Hisateru , Tomokuni Akira , Motoori Masaaki , Yakushijin Takayuki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the current treatment for liver metastasis and clarify the indications for percutaneous thermal ablation for liver metastasis.MethodsNinety‐two patients were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent hepatectomy and/or percutaneous thermal ablation for liver metastases between January 2012 and December 2018. Twenty‐six patients who underwent ablation treatment and seven patients who underwent both ablation and hepatectomy were included in the ablation treatment group (group A). We compared these patients with 59 patients who underwent hepatectomy only (group H). Subgroup analyses were performed between ablation (group AC) for colorectal liver metastasis and hepatectomy (group HC) for colorectal liver metastasis in 17 and 53 patients, respectively.ResultsThe percentage of liver metastases other than colorectal cancer in group A was higher than that in the group H. Maximum tumor size in group A was significantly smaller than that in group H. Similarly, the patients in group AC were significantly older and demonstrated higher total bilirubin, lower serum albumin, and lower platelet counts than those in group HC. Overall survival was poorer in the AC group than that in the HC group. However, no differences were observed at metastasis ≤2 cm in size.ConclusionsPercutaneous thermal ablation was performed for many cancer types than hepatectomy. It is performed in elderly patients. We suggested that ablation for colorectal liver metastasis sized ≤2 cm is a suitable indication.
Anti‐tumorigenic effects of naive and TLR4‐primed adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Kaçaroğlu Demet , Yaylacı Seher , Gurbuz Nilgun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundOne of the main reasons for the unsuccessful treatment of pancreatic cancer is the intense desmoplastic pancreatic microenvironment. In the literature, the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their inflammatory phenotypes on cancer cells have been a subject of controversy. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this interaction, especially in the context of pancreatic cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of naive, TLR4‐activated, and TLR4‐inhibited phenotypes of adipose‐derived MSCs (ADMSC) on pancreatic ductal cell line (Panc‐1).Methods and MaterialsAdipose‐derived MSCs were induced into a proinflammatory phenotype using a 0.5 μg/mL dose of TLR4 agonist, while an anti‐inflammatory phenotype was generated in ADMSCs using a 25 μg/mL dose of TLR4 antagonist. We observed that the proliferation of Panc‐1 cells was inhibited when naive ADMSCs:Panc‐1(10:1) and proinflammatory ADMSCs:Panc‐1(10:1) were directly cocultured.ResultsIn indirect coculture, both naive and proinflammatory ADMSCs exhibited a significant 10‐fold increase in their inhibitory effect on the proliferation and colony forming capacity of Panc‐1 cells, with the added benefit of inducing apoptosis. In our study, both naive and proinflammatory ADMSCs were found to regulate the expression of genes associated with metastasis (MMP2, KDR, MMP9, TIMP1, IGF2R, and COL1A1) and EMT (CDH1, VIM, ZEB1, and CLDN1) in Panc‐1 cells. Remarkably, both naive and proinflammatory ADMSCs demonstrated antitumor effects on Panc‐1 cells. However, it was observed that anti‐inflammatory ADMSCs showed tumor‐promoting effects instead. Furthermore, we observed a reciprocal influence between ADMSCs and Panc‐1 cells on each other's proinflammatory cytokine expressions, suggesting a dynamic interplay within the tumor microenvironment.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the significance of both the naive state and different inflammatory phenotypes of MSCs in the microenvironment and represent a pivotal step toward the development of novel therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer. Understanding the intricate interactions between MSCs and cancer cells may open new avenues for targeted interventions in cancer therapy.
Gemcitabine‐based conditioning compared to BEAM/BEAC conditioning prior to autologous stem cell transplantation for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: No difference in outcomes
Authors: Liu Huimin , Zou Hesong , Shan Dandan , Liu Wei , Huang Wenyang , Sui Weiwei , Deng Shuhui , Wang Tingyu , Lv Rui , Fu Mingwei , Xu Yan , Yi Shuhua , An Gang , Zhao Yaozhong , Qiu Lugui , Zou Dehui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an effective treatment for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The limited availability of carmustine has prompted the exploration of novel alternative conditioning regimens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of GBM/GBC (gemcitabine, busulfan, and melphalan or cyclophosphamide) conditioning compared with the standard BEAM/BEAC regimens (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan or cyclophosphamide) for ASCT in patients with NHL.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 231 NHL patients, who underwent ASCT from October 2010 to October 2021 at the Institute of Hematology & Blood Disease Hospital, including both first‐line and salvage settings. This resulted in the inclusion of 112 patients in the GBM/GBC arm and 92 in the BEAM/BEAC arm. Propensity score matching was employed to validate the results.ResultsDisease subtype distribution was similar between the GBM/GBC and BEAM/BEAC groups, with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma being the most common (58.9% vs. 58.7%), followed by PTCL (17.0% vs. 18.5%) and MCL (14.3% vs. 14.1%). At 3 months post‐ASCT, complete response (CR) rates were comparable (GBM/GBC 93.5% vs. BEAM/BEAC 91.1%; p = 0.607). The 4‐year progression‐free survival (78.4% vs. 82.3%; p = 0.455) and 4‐year overall survival (88.1% vs. 87.7%; p = 0.575) were also similar. Both groups exhibited low non‐relapse mortality at 4 years (GBM/GBC 1.8% vs. BEAM/BEAC 3.5%; p = 0.790) with no transplant‐related mortalities reported. The GBM/GBC cohort demonstrated a higher incidence of grade 3/4 oral mucositis and hepatic toxicity, whereas the BEAM/BEAC group had more frequent cases of bacteremia or sepsis (13 cases vs. 5 in GBM/GBC).ConclusionsThe GBM/GBC regimen is effective and well‐tolerated, offering outcomes that are highly comparable to those in NHL patients conditioned with BEAM/BEAC, as demonstrated in a prognostically matched cohort.
Application of computer‐aided detection for NCCN‐based follow‐up recommendation in subsolid nodules: Effect on inter‐observer agreement
Authors: Quanyang Wu , Lina Zhou , Yao Huang , Jiawei Wang , Wei Tang , Linlin Qi , Zewei Zhang , Donghui Hou , Hongjia Li , Shuluan Chen , Jiaxing Zhang , Shijun Zhao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRationale and ObjectivesComputer‐aided detection (CAD) of pulmonary nodules reduces the impact of observer variability, improving the reliability and reproducibility of nodule assessments in clinical practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of CAD on inter‐observer agreement in the follow‐up management of subsolid nodules.Materials and MethodsA dataset comprising 60 subsolid nodule cases was constructed based on the National Cancer Center lung cancer screening data. Five observers independently assessed all low‐dose computed tomography scans and assigned follow‐up management strategies to each case according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, using both manual measurements and CAD assistance. The linearly weighted Cohen’s kappa test was used to measure agreement between paired observers. Agreement among multiple observers was evaluated using the Fleiss kappa statistic.ResultsThe agreement of the five observers for NCCN follow‐up management categorization was moderate when measured manually, with a Fleiss kappa score of 0.437. Utilizing CAD led to a notable enhancement in agreement, achieving a substantial consensus with a Fleiss kappa value of 0.623. After using CAD, the proportion of major and substantial management discrepancies decreased from 27.5% to 15.8% and 4.8% to 1.5%, respectively (p < 0.01). In 23 lung cancer cases presenting as part‐solid nodules, CAD significantly elevates the average sensitivity in detecting lung cancer cases presenting as part‐solid nodules (overall sensitivity, 82.6% vs. 92.2%; p < 0.05).ConclusionThe application of CAD significantly improves inter‐observer agreement in the follow‐up management strategy for subsolid nodules. It also demonstrates the potential to reduce substantial management discrepancies and increase detection sensitivity in lung cancer cases presenting as part‐solid nodules.
Cancer and the family: Variations by sex and race/ethnicity
Authors: Asiedu Charlotte , McKinney Nicole S. , Willis Alliric I. , Lewis Frances M. , Virtue Shannon , Davey Adam 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundCancer affects patients and their families, but few data are available on factors associated with diversity of family structures among patients with cancer. Family is a source of both support and responsibility that must be understood to support patients and their families.MethodsPooled data (2004–2015) from the National Health Interview Study were used to compare characteristics of cancer survivors with and without minor children and differences by sex and race/ethnicity among survivors with minor children.Results13.9% of cancer survivors have minor children in the household, and this experience is more likely for women and people who identify as other than non‐Hispanic White.ConclusionThere are considerable differences by sex and race/ethnicity in the characteristics of cancer survivors with minor children. Clinicians should make consideration of family circumstances a routine part of their history. Doing so will help to identify potential sources of support and responsibility that may affect adherence.
Comparison of Structure and Reactivity of Hydrothermally Prepared Bi−Mo−Co−Fe−O Catalysts in Selective Propylene and Isobutene Oxidation
Authors: Klag Linda , Baumgarten Lorena , Gaur Abhijeet , Sheppard Thomas L. , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe elucidation of structure‐activity correlations in selective oxidation of propylene and isobutene over mixed metal oxides (MMO) is attractive for knowledge‐based catalyst design and process optimisation. Particularly, 4‐component Bi−Mo−Co−Fe−O catalysts need to be studied since their complex metal oxide phase mixture leads to higher activity and selectivity than 2‐component Bi−Mo−O. Hence, three Bi−Mo−Co−Fe‐oxides with different metal ratios were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and compared during selective oxidation tests with propylene and isobutene. The active phases after several days on stream were investigated by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, while the structural evolution under reaction conditions was followed by operando Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron XRD, and multi‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Similar structural transformations were observed during selective oxidation of propylene and isobutene, with similar influence on catalytic performance. A phase mixture of β‐CoMoO4/β‐Co0.7Fe0.3MoO4, γ‐Bi2MoO6, Fe3O4 and Bi3FeMo2O12 was observed, whereby high amounts of β‐CoMoO4/β‐Co0.7Fe0.3MoO4 increased selectivity to acrolein/methacrolein. In contrast, high amounts of γ‐Bi2MoO6 and Fe3O4 favoured total oxidation to CO and CO2. The simultaneous presence of β‐CoMoO4/β‐Co0.7Fe0.3MoO4, Bi3FeMo2O12 and Fe2O3 increased selectivity to methacrolein in isobutene oxidation, whereas no comparative increase in acrolein selectivity was observed in propylene oxidation. This suggests different key active phases in both reactions.
Small Molecule Antagonists of the DNA Repair ERCC1/XPA Protein‐Protein Interaction
Authors: Obermann Robert , Yemane Bereket , Jarvis Cassie , Franco Francisco M. , Kyriukha Yevhenii , Nolan William , Gohara Beth , Krezel Andrzej M. , Wildman Scott A. , Janetka James W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe DNA excision repair protein ERCC1 and the DNA damage sensor protein, XPA are highly overexpressed in patient samples of cisplatin‐resistant solid tumors including lung, bladder, ovarian, and testicular cancer. The repair of cisplatin‐DNA crosslinks is dependent upon nucleotide excision repair (NER) that is modulated by protein‐protein binding interactions of ERCC1, the endonuclease, XPF, and XPA. Thus, inhibition of their function is a potential therapeutic strategy for the selective sensitization of tumors to DNA‐damaging platinum‐based cancer therapy. Here, we report on new small‐molecule antagonists of the ERCC1/XPA protein‐protein interaction (PPI) discovered using a high‐throughput competitive fluorescence polarization binding assay. We discovered a unique structural class of thiopyridine‐3‐carbonitrile PPI antagonists that block a truncated XPA polypeptide from binding to ERCC1. Preliminary hit‐to‐lead studies from compound 1 reveal structure‐activity relationships (SAR) and identify lead compound 27 o with an EC50 of 4.7 μM. Furthermore, chemical shift perturbation mapping by NMR confirms that 1 binds within the same site as the truncated XPA67–80 peptide. These novel ERCC1 antagonists are useful chemical biology tools for investigating DNA damage repair pathways and provide a good starting point for medicinal chemistry optimization as therapeutics for sensitizing tumors to DNA damaging agents and overcoming resistance to platinum‐based chemotherapy.
Studies on the Process of Basic Dyes Adsorption on Uniform Spherical Carbons
Authors: Sternik Dariusz , Wasilewska Małgorzata , Derylo‐Marczewska Anna , Marczewski Adam W. , Gun'ko Volodymyr M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe influence of carbon pore structure on the sorption process of selected cationic dyes has been investigated. The structure and surface of carbonaceous materials have been characterized basing on various techniques: scanning electron microscopy, low temperature nitrogen adsorption‐desorption measurements, X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal analysis combined with identification of gaseous products. The kinetic and equilibrium adsorption measurements of Basic Violet 3, Basic Red 1 and Basic Blue 9 from aqueous media were performed. The studied carbons seem to be promising adsorbents towards dyes, taking into account the easy–to–use uniform spherical form of the granules and a complex type of porosity with micro‐, meso‐ and macropores appropriate for large molecule adsorption.
Investigation of AFeO3 (A=Ba, Sr) Perovskites for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Light Alkanes under Chemical Looping Conditions
Authors: Natesakhawat Sittichai , Popczun Eric J. , Baltrus John P. , Wang Kun , Serna Pedro , Liu Sophie , Meyer Randall , Lekse Jonathan W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of light alkanes to produce C2−C3 olefins is a promising alternative to conventional steam cracking. Perovskite oxides are emerging as efficient catalysts for this process due to their unique properties such as high oxygen storage capacity (OSC), reversible redox behavior, and tunability. Here, we explore AFeO3 (A=Ba, Sr) bulk perovskites for the ODH of ethane and propane under chemical looping conditions (CL‐ODH). The higher OSC and oxygen mobility of SrFeO3 perovskite contributed to its higher activity but lower olefin selectivity than its Ba counterpart. However, SrFeO3 perovskite is superior in terms of cyclic stability over multiple redox cycles. Transformations of the perovskite to reduced phases including brownmillerite A2Fe2O5 were identified by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) as a cause of performance degradation, which was fully reversible upon air regeneration. A pre‐desorption step was utilized to selectively tune the amount of lattice oxygen as a function of temperature and dwell time to enhance olefin selectivity while suppressing CO2 formation from the deep oxidation of propane. Overall, SrFeO3 exhibits promising potential for the CL‐ODH of light alkanes, and optimization through surface and structural modifications may further engineer well‐regulated lattice oxygen for maximizing olefin yield.
Intra and interatomic energy contributions in the photophysical relaxation of small aromatic molecules
Authors: Jara‐Cortés Jesús , Pérez‐Pimienta José A. , Park Jae Woo , Hernández‐Trujillo Jesús 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA theoretical study of the non‐radiative photophysical relaxation mechanisms of the first singlet excited state of benzene, cyclobutadiene and fulvene is presented. For these molecules, the calculation of the Minimum Energy Path (MEP) leading from the Franck–Condon region to the surface crossing with the ground state is carried out. Subsequently, the decomposition of the electronic energies into atomic and pair contributions is performed using the Interacting Quantum Atom (IQA) method. The IQA approach provides the important mechanistic information necessary to rationalise some relevant aspects of the processes, such as the components that explain the appearance of an energy barrier or that favour the crossing between potential energy surfaces (PES); it also allows to quantify the direct effect on the MEP due to the inclusion of a substituent. In particular, it is shown how the IQA energies allow measuring the extent to which the formation of biradicaloid structures affects the crossing of the PES. The analysis of electron density functions suggests that aromaticity is not a driving force on the relaxation processes. Overall, this work shows the potential of the IQA method as a useful tool for the detailed description of photophysical processes.