bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality and energy efficiency evaluation of Rosmarinus officinalis L. by intermittent and continuous microwave drying: Polyphenol composition, bioactive compounds quantification, antioxidant properties, physical characteristics, and energy consumption
Authors: Ali Ameena , Chua Bee Lin , Chow Yin Hui , Tee Lee Hong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractImproper drying is one of the major causes of beneficial bioactive compounds' degradation in bio‐crops together with high energy consumption. Preservation of the compounds is crucial in retaining the bioactivities of the herbs with diverse industrial applications. Continuous microwave drying (CMD), despite being effective and efficient, has not merged with the industry as process intensification due to the challenges of overheating. This study investigates the application of intermittent microwave drying (IMD) on rosemary and its compounds, to address the issues of overheating and the subsequent loss of bioactive compounds resulting from CMD. This technology is implemented through the application of microwaves in a periodic on/off manner. Although CMD had the shortest drying duration (>20 min) and the highest drying rate (0.431 kg H2O/kg DB min), IMD had the highest effective diffusivities (1.292 × 10−10 m2/s) indicating better moisture kinetics and evaporation. CMD exhibited favorable physical characteristics of shrinkage (83.40%), bulk density (669.23 kg/m3), and rehydration capacity (34%). However, both methods displayed high antioxidant activity (90.36%–93.78% inhibition). Higher compound concentrations of Carnosic acid (4.85 mg/g), Carnosol (6.86 mg/g), and Rosmarinic acid (14.36 mg/g) were achieved using IMD. Lastly, IMD had a higher energy efficiency (1.70%) than CMD due to drying by residual heat generation and redistribution.Practical applicationDrying is a crucial first post‐harvest process to preserve aromatic and medicinal herbs and plants for downstream processing. However, the sensitive and diverse nature of bioactive compounds makes it practically impossible to implement one drying technology to process all. Microwave technology is highly favored by researchers as well as industries to replace traditional convective hot air drying due to its effectiveness and higher efficiency. Nevertheless, the overheating issue from the continuous microwave is still a challenge while processing delicate herbs and their bioactive compounds. Especially, herbs like rosemary which possesses thermolabile compounds. The current study implements microwave technology periodically to benefit from sustainable drying via microwave without overheating and subsequent loss of bioactive compounds. The outcome of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of the intermittent microwave technology which proved to be more energy efficient than continuous microwave while retaining higher bioactive compound concentration in rosemary leaves.
Determination of mycotoxins in nuts, cereals, legumes, and coffee beans and effectiveness of a selenium‐based decontamination treatment
Authors: Gammoh Sana , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Alhamad Mohammad N. , Tranchant Carole C. , Rababah Taha , Kanakri Khaled , Ammari Zaid , Malkawi Dania , Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan‐Chew , Alzoubi Haya 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLiquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was used for the rapid quantification of multiple mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN), in walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, coffee beans, rice, and chickpeas from various countries. Total counts of fungi, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus parasiticus were also assessed, along with the effectiveness of a decontamination treatment with inorganic selenium to reduce mycotoxin levels. Of the 78 samples tested, 69% were contaminated with mycotoxins. ZEN, the predominant mycotoxin contaminant, was detected in all the contaminated samples in concentrations often exceeding the maximum level, followed by AFG1 (28% of the contaminated samples), DON (22%), AFG2 (11%), and AFB1 (5.5%). The occurrence of aflatoxins was associated with high proportions of A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Complete removal of AFB1 from walnuts and DON from roasted coffee beans was achieved by treatment with aqueous selenium, while the levels of ZEN and AFG1 were respectively lowered by 65% to 89% depending on the commodity and by about 56% in roasted coffee beans. While this novel treatment is a promising approach for mycotoxin decontamination, it is not intended to replace safe practices upstream.
Risk factors of low‐level viremia in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving Entecavir monotherapy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen He , Fu Juan‐Juan , Li Li , Wang Xia , Pan Xiu‐Cheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimLow‐level viremia (LLV), a special case of poor response to antiviral therapy, has become a focus of liver disease research; however, most studies have focused on poor response to antiviral therapy, and little attention has been paid to LLV. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing LLV in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving entecavir (ETV) monotherapy.MethodsClinical data of CHB patients receiving ETV treatment for at least 1 year at the outpatient department of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from November 2018 to June 2020 were collected. Patients were divided into LLV (180 cases) and sustained virological response (SVR) groups (337 cases) according to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load at the end of the observation period. Demographic features and laboratory markers were also examined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors influencing LLV in patients receiving long‐term ETV monotherapy.ResultsSignificant differences were noted between the LLV and SVR groups in terms of age, sex, presence or absence of cirrhosis, HBeAg positivity rate, baseline HBV DNA load, and baseline HBsAg level before treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline HBeAg status, HBV DNA load, and HBsAg quantification were pretreatment risk factors for LLV in long‐term ETV antiviral therapy.ConclusionsCHB patients with a high HBV DNA load, high HBsAg quantification, and positive HBeAg results tend to have a high risk of LLV despite long‐term ETV antiviral treatment and should be dynamically monitored.
Reverse scan body: The scan pattern affects the fit of complete‐arch prototype prostheses
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Bedrossian E. Armand , Ntovas Panagiotis , Kudara Yukio , Bokhary Abdullah , Chochlidakis Konstantinos 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess the effect of different scan patterns on the fit of implant‐supported complete‐arch prototype prostheses fabricated via a complete digital extraoral protocol with a reverse scan body.Materials and MethodsA mandibular cast with four multi‐unit abutment (MUA) implant analogs with adequate antero‐posterior spread served as the reference cast, simulating a common clinical patient situation, and a polymethylmethacrylate interim screw‐retained prosthesis was fabricated on it. Novel reverse scan bodies were connected to the interim prosthesis on the intaglio of the MUA abutments and extraoral scanning was performed with a white light intraoral scanner (TRIOS 4; 3 shape) and three different scan patterns: starting from the occlusal surface of the interim prosthesis (O–group), starting from the intaglio (I–group), and helix pattern (H–group). The resulting STL files from the three groups were then imported to computer‐aided design (CAD) software and after the digital design, the STL files were exported to a computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) milling machine which generated a total of 15 CAD‐CAM milled prototype prostheses per group. Two clinicians assessed the fit of each digitally fabricated prototype prosthesis on the reference cast, utilizing the screw‐resistance test and radiographic evaluation. Fisher's exact test was used to test the difference between the three groups, and Cohen's k‐score was used to assess the inter‐examiner agreement.ResultsOut of the three different groups, the O–group scan pattern led to 100% prosthesis fit, while the prototype prostheses generated from I‐ and H‐groups had 80% and 53% fit, respectively. The results were statistically significant (p = 0.008).ConclusionsOcclusal scan pattern leads to fitting milled prototype prostheses after extraoral scanning with reverse scan bodies without intraoral implant data acquisition.
Comparison of tissue displacement in edentulous arches among three‐dimensional files obtained through different impression‐making methods: A retrospective study
Authors: Choi Ha Eun , Kim Sumin , Moon Hong Seok , Oh Kyung Chul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeTo retrospectively compare and analyze differences in tissue displacement of edentulous arches among three‐dimensional (3D) files obtained using various impression‐making techniques.Materials and MethodsFourteen patients who underwent prosthodontic treatment for edentulous arches at Yonsei University Dental Hospital between June 2020 and April 2023 were included in the study. Three types of 3D files were used for the evaluation of each arch: a 3D scan file of a definitive cast (Group DEF), a preliminary cast (Group PRE), and an intraoral scan file (Group IOS). The files were superimposed on a reference 3D scan file of the definitive cast group through best‐fit matching using metrology software. Seventeen measurement points (MP1‐4, RC1‐6, TB1‐2, and PPS1‐5 for the maxilla and RP1‐2, RC1‐7, BS1‐4, and LS1‐4 for the mandible) were selected for both the maxillary (n = 13) and mandibular arches (n = 6). The deviation considering the direction (DD) between the three groups and the absolute deviation (AD) between the three groups were recorded. Kruskal–Wallis and post‐hoc Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical analyses (α = 0.05 and α = 0.0167, respectively).ResultsConcerning the DD values, at the RC4 point of the maxillary arch, Group PRE exhibited significantly higher values than Groups IOS (p = 0.006) and DEF (p < 0.001), and at the RC5 point of the maxillary arch, Group IOS exhibited significantly lower values than Groups PRE (p = 0.016) and DEF (p < 0.001). Group IOS showed significantly lower DD values in the mandibular arch than Group DEF at the RP2 and RC3 points (p < 0.167). The AD values in Groups PRE and IOS significantly differed from those in Group DEF (all p < 0.001) at all measurement points but did not exhibit significant differences between each other (p > 0.05).ConclusionsDifferent impression‐making methods yielded different amounts of tissue displacement. The tendency of 3D files regarding tissue displacement varied at certain residual ridge crest areas and retromolar pad areas. The absolute amount of tissue displacement observed in the intraoral scan data was comparable to that observed in the preliminary casts.
Effects of gelatin concentration, adding temperature and mixing rate on texture and quality characteristics of model gels
Authors: Dalabasmaz Sevim , Melayim Mehmet Erhan , Konar Nevzat 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effects of gelatin concentrations (GC) (5.0–10.0 g/100 g), mixing rate (MR) (100–1100 rpm), and gelatin addition temperature (GAT) (55, 60, and 65°C) were investigated on the main textural and various physicochemical properties of model gels (n = 72) prepared using sucrose and glucose syrup (40–42 DE). Considering the p‐value of the F‐statistic calculated by analysis of variance and the 5% significance level, the production parameters and their interactions had a significant effect on the quality parameters. The influence of the production parameters GC, MR, and GAT, and the interaction of these parameters, GC * MR, GC * GAT, MR * GAT, and GC * MR * GAT of the model gels on the quality characteristic were expressed by converting the Type III SS values into percent values. When all quality characteristics were considered together, MR was the most influential with a score of 58%. PCAmix, a combination of factorial analysis with PCA, was used to visualize the correlations between the production parameters and the quality characteristics of the modeled gels. A great influence was observed between MR and moisture content, color properties, and texture parameters, except springiness. A moderate effect of GC and a minor effect of GAT could be characterized. With the 2D‐map of observations, the model gels could be clearly divided into two groups according to the MRs. In accordance with the observations diagram of PCAmix, the similarity dendrogram of AHC also formed two clusters, one cluster for the samples with MR 100 and 200 rpm and one cluster for the samples with MR 500 and 1100 rpm.
Predictors of clinical trajectories of patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis. An external validation of the PREDICT study
Authors: Pompili Enrico , Baldassarre Maurizio , Bedogni Giorgio , Zaccherini Giacomo , Iannone Giulia , De Venuto Clara , Pratelli Dario , Palmese Francesco , Domenicali Marco , Caraceni Paolo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsThe PREDICT study recently showed that acutely decompensated (AD) patients with cirrhosis can present three different clinical phenotypes in the 90 days after admission: (1) pre‐ACLF, developing acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF); (2) unstable decompensated cirrhosis (UDC), being re‐admitted for AD without ACLF and (3) stable decompensated cirrhosis (SDC), not presenting readmission or ACLF. This study aimed to externally validate the existence of these three distinct trajectories and to identify predictors for the occurrence of each trajectory.MethodsBaseline data, 3‐month ACLF and readmission incidence and 1‐year survival were analysed in a prospective cohort of patients admitted for AD. A multinomial multivariable model was used to evaluate the association between baseline features and clinical trajectories.ResultsOf the 311 patients enrolled, 55% met the criteria for SDC, 18% for UDC and 27% for pre‐ACLF, presenting a significantly different 1‐year mortality: pre‐ACLF 65%, UDC 46%, SDC 21% (p < .001). The presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was associated with UDC (p = .043), while the absence of ascites to SDC (p = .017). Among laboratory parameters, an increase in MELD‐Na (p = .001) and C‐reactive protein (p = .009) and a decrease in haemoglobin (p = .004) and albumin (p = .008) levels were associated with pre‐ACLF.ConclusionThe present study confirms that AD patients have three different clinical trajectories with different mortality rates. Besides the severity of cirrhosis, the association with C‐reactive protein supports the predominant role of systemic inflammation in ACLF pathophysiology. Finally, HE is associated with the UDC phenotype highlighting the need for better management of this complication after discharge.
Effects of a new selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, vibegron, on bladder and urethral function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Togo Mio , Kitta Takeya , Chiba Hiroki , Higuchi Madoka , Kusakabe Naohisa , Ouchi Mifuka , Abe‐Takahashi Yui , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Shinohara Nobuo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesParkinson's disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons induces not only motor dysfunction but also lower urinary tract dysfunction. Patients with Parkinson's disease have recently been reported to experience both urge urinary incontinence (overactive bladder) and stress urinary incontinence, the latter of which occurs when the pressure of the bladder exceeds that of the urethra. Vibegron is a highly selective novel β3‐adrenoceptor agonist approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. However, how β3‐adrenoceptor agonists affect urethral function remains unclear. In a clinical report, the urethral function of patients with Parkinson's disease was shown to be degraded. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vibegron on lower urinary tract activity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.MethodsIn a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine injection into the substantia nigra pars compacta, we examined the effects of vibegron on bladder and urethral activity.ResultsCystometric analysis revealed that, compared with vehicle injection, intravenous injection of 3 mg/kg vibegron significantly increased the inter‐contraction interval (p < .05) and reduced voiding pressure (p < .01). However, no significant effects on urethral function were observed.ConclusionsThe results of the present study provide corroborating evidence that bladder dysfunction is suppressed by the administration of vibegron in Parkinson's disease model rats, confirming that vibegron is effective for treating overactive bladder without further worsening urethral function. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of β3‐adrenoceptor agonists.
Safety and efficacy of topical nitric oxide‐releasing berdazimer gel for molluscum contagiosum clearance: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pera Calvi Izabela , R. Marques Isabela , Cruz Sara A. , Mesquita Yasmin Luz Lima , Padrao Eduardo M. H. , Souza Rafaela M. , Brown Andrew , Caçador Danielle G. V. , Poppe Lidia M. , Lopes Almeida Gomes Lais 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMolluscum contagiosum (MC) is a contagious infection that, although benign, can become an aesthetic burden and lead to other opportunistic infections, secondary dermatitis, and self‐isolation. Currently, several treatment options are available for MC, including the newly investigated nitric oxide‐releasing berdazimer gel, leading this review to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing berdazimer gel with a vehicle for treating MC. The meta‐analysis included three reports and four RCT involving 1854 patients, with 1106 (59.6%) randomized to receive berdazimer. Our findings suggest that berdazimer is effective in the management of MC lesions, but the increased clearance of lesions and reduction of scarring must be weighed against the potential for topical adverse effects, particularly when considering the use of this therapy in pediatric patients.
OEM‐servicizing with a multiusecycle product: Model analysis and insights
Authors: Gao Yinshi (Agnes) , Bansal Saurabh , Guide V. Daniel R. 
Published: September 2023

Customers of many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in business‐to‐business markets today demand product servicizing in which instead of buying the product from the OEM they buy the use of a product during a lease. During the lease, (i) the customer uses the product and returns it to the OEM after the use reaches a specific level, (ii) the OEM remanufactures the product in a costly process and sends it back to the customer, and this usecycle is repeated multiple times. The lease terms typically involve a use‐based payment. While a greater product use by a customer brings a larger revenue to the OEM, it also increases the remanufacturing cost incurred by the OEM. We investigate this trade‐off using an analytical model for a contract that is used extensively in industry. For the case of homogeneous customers with a common use rate of the product, we optimize lease payment terms and identify market and product‐remanufacturing characteristics for which the OEM should servicize the product instead of selling it. We show that an OEM should not servicize a product when the customers' use rate exceeds a threshold. This is because, beyond this threshold, the remanufacturing cost increases disproportionably, exceeding the higher usage‐based revenue. Subsequently, we consider a market with two segments with different use rates. We consider two servicizing modes: (i) servicize both market segments or (ii) selectively servicize only one segment and sell the product to the other segment, and the default mode of selling in both segments. We develop optimal lease payment terms for these use‐based servicizing modes, identify thresholds of product and market characteristics for the optimality of these modes. Finally, we extend the results to a market with more than two segments and compare the environmental impacts of the servicizing or sell decision. Numerical results informed by empirical data show that the OEM's loss of profit from choosing a suboptimal servicizing/sell decision can be significant.
Monitoring strategy of COVID‐19 vaccination in dialysis patients based on a multiplex immunodot method: The CovidDial study
Authors: Debelle Frédéric , Nguyen Vo Thanh Phuong , Boitquin Laurence , Guillen‐Anaya Miguel‐Ange , Gankam Fabrice , Declèves Anne‐Emilie ,   the CoviDial study group
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionCOVID‐19 vaccine was demonstrated to be effective in dialysis patients, but boosters are mandatory due to a rapid waning of anti‐spike antibodies. A vaccination strategy based on immunologic response might be useful to maintain a favorable risk–benefit balance in this vulnerable population.MethodsCoviDial is an observational prospective study enrolling 121 dialysis patients to receive a 3‐dose mRNA‐1273 vaccine according to a uniform schedule. At baseline, months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, anti‐spike antibodies against four epitopes (S1, S2, ECD‐S1 + S2, RBD) were monitored with a multiplex immunodot enzymatic assay. Potential correlation between initial serologic response and subsequent COVID‐19 infection was then assessed.ResultsOverall, 96.2% and 96.8% of patients had anti‐RBD antibodies at 3 and 12 months, respectively. All antibodies titers significantly decreased at month 6 compared to month 3. Booster vaccine induced a robust serologic response at month 9, but with a waning 3 months later, particularly for anti‐S2 (37.2 ± 3.3 vs. 61.3 ± 3.0, p < 0.0001) and anti‐S1 + S2 antibodies (68.4 ± 3.3 vs. 88.4 ± 2.3, p = 0.0015). Fifteen patients were later tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. At month 3, mean titers of anti‐RBD, anti‐S1 + S2, and anti‐S2 antibodies were lower in the subsequent SARS‐CoV‐2 infected cohort (71.57 ± 9.01 vs. 85.79 ± 2.61, p = 0.0131; 41.07 ± 7.96 vs. 61.68 ± 3.56, p = 0.0237; 13.79 ± 5.03 vs. 39.70 ± 3.86, p = 0.0096; respectively).ConclusionThree doses of mRNA‐1273 vaccine induce a robust but time‐limited immunologic response in dialysis patients. Lower anti‐spike antibodies titers after initial vaccination are associated with a higher risk to subsequently contract SARS‐CoV‐2, even beyond 6 months.