bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Microwave-assisted Extraction Technique for Flavonoids and Phenolics from the Leaves of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz Using Taguchi L9 Orthogonal Design
Authors: Samanta Rojalini , Ghosh Manik 
Published: March 2023

Background An experimental design to obtain bioactive ingredients from Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz was performed applying microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Recently, tremendous research interest and benefits have been observed for extracting active constituents from plant materials using the microwave. Objectives This work aimed to develop an optimized, green, efficient, alternative procedure for extracting flavonoid and phenolic (total flavonoid content [TFC] and total phenolic content [TPC]) from leaves of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz. Materials and Methods A total of 1 g of the powdered sample was extracted using classical Soxhlet apparatus for 48 hr to ensure exhaustive extraction; simultaneously, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction were also carried out using 1 g of the plant sample for 12 hr and 60 min at 25˚C, respectively. The optimization of MAE was done using Taguchi L9 orthogonal design. The optimum operating conditions were microwave power (160 W), soaking time (4 min), irradiation time (4 min), and temperature (57˚C). Results The microwave method has shown 70% higher yield than other conventional techniques in a shorter time, along with increased TFC and TPC. Conclusion The TPC, TFC, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values are higher in the extract obtained by MAE extracts in comparison to other techniques. The extraction technique will be an ideal tool to safeguard the thermolabile plant constituents that will be more environmentally friendly.
Cognitive Enhancing Activity of Fermented Aloe arborescens Extract on Scopolamine-induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Jeon GiBeom , Hun Lee Seong , Kwon Yong Seong , Beak Jin Hong , Lee Hyeon , Ma Choong Je 
Published: March 2023

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia that leads to loss of memory and learning ability. Aloe arborescens is a traditional medicinal plant in Europe and Africa. It has been reported that A. arborescens showed anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects. Previously, we reported that fermented A. arborescens extract had neuroprotective activity in glutamate-insulted HT22 cells. Materials and Methods In this study, we evaluated its cognitive enhancing activity by using scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice as a model system. Morris water maze test was carried out to evaluate spatial memory enhancing activity and a passive avoidance test was performed to evaluate an effect on learning memory. A. arborescens was extracted with methanol in an ultrasonic extraction device and fermented with Lactobacillus brevis. Fermented A. arborescens extract was treated to scopolamine-insulted Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice at a concentration of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Results The fermented A. arborescens extract significantly improved the scopolamine-insulted memory impairment. Fermented A. arborescens extract inhibited acetylcholine esterase activity and boosted brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (p-CREB) expression. These results showed that fermented AA extract improved memory impairment through the increase of the BDNF and p-CREB signal pathway. Conclusion According to these results, we considered that the fermented A. arborescens extract can be a useful candidate for new nutraceuticals for improving memory impairment.
Anti-inflammatory Effect by Cloves Treatment in LPS-induced RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Seo Seong-Wook , Kim Kyoung , Shin Mi-Rae 
Published: March 2023

Background: Cloves mean the dried flower bud harvested from a tree of Syzygium aromaticum L. (SA). Objectives: The current study was to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of SA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.2 µg/mL)-treated RAW264.7 cells. Materials and Methods: WST-8 cell proliferation assay kit (WST-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were completed to observe cell proliferation and cytotoxicity effects of SA. Other biochemical analyses analyzed releases of nitric oxide (NO) and the production of dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA). Besides, inflammation-related factors and Sirt1 were carried out through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). Results: LPS exposure not only caused abnormal elevations of both NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) secretions, but also markedly increased inflammation-related proteins including inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cluster of differentiation (CD) 14, and toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The above-listed alterations were notably attenuated by SA pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner. We further figured out that, SA particularly activated AMPKα/ Sirt1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, SA dramatically inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β production, which was mediated by NLR family Pyrin domain containing (NLRP) 3 mediated inflammasome signaling pathway. Conclusion: SA inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells via the TRL4/CD14/NF-κB pathway and it can lead to the reduction of IL-1β release by the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome. Such an anti-inflammatory effect was closely related to AMPKα/Sirt1 activation. Taken together, the findings of this study support both the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of Sirt1 can alleviate inflammation.
Visnagin Attenuates Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats via Regulating Dyslipidemia, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Yang Xiumei , Yang Cuilian , Lu Wenjing , Yang Xiumei 
Published: March 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance only diagnosed during pregnancy. GDM has exhibited several adverse effects on both mother and offspring. The current research focuses on discovering visnagin’s beneficial properties against the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced GDM in rats via alleviating the inflammation and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: GDM was caused in the pregnant rats by the administration of 25 mg/kg of STZ by the intraperitoneal route and then treated with 20 mg/kg of visnagin for 20 consecutive days. The rats’ body weight was measured, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) status was determined using a standard glucometer. The contents of total cholesterol (TCh), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were assessed using kits. The MDA level, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) status, and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were determined using assay kits. Kits also assessed the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β. The contents of TNF-α and IL-1β effectively improved the body weight and decreased the FBG status in the GDM rats. The visnagin also decreased the TCh, TG, and LDL, and elevated the HDL content. The content of MDA was decreased and the visnagin treatment increased SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx, and the visnagin treatment increased SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activities SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activities. The visnagin effectively decreased the STZ-induced histopathological alterations in the pancreas. Conclusion: Altogether, our investigation results suggest a beneficial role visnagin against STZ-induced GDM in rats via inhibiting the inflammatory responses. Hence, it can be a talented therapeutic candidate for the successful management of GDM.
Morpho-anatomical, Molecular, and Chemical Standardization of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don: An Endangered Medicinal Herb Native to the Himalayas
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Singh Kanwaljeet , Lone Javaid Fayaz , Bhushan Anil , Gupta Prasoon , Gairola Sumeet 
Published: March 2023

Background Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don occurring at high altitudes in the Himalayas and known by the common name ‘Nag Chhatri,’ has high medicinal value. Its rhizome samples have substantial therapeutic potential and possess anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. Due to similar common names and morphology, there is an issue with adulteration and misidentification of actual rhizome samples with rhizomes of other species. So, there is a need to develop valid scientific methods to identify raw herbal samples of authentic ‘Nagchatri’ ( T. govanianum). Objectives The present study focused on developing botanical, molecular, and chemical standards for identifying raw herbal samples of T. govanianum. Materials and Methods Samples were collected from four locations in the Northwestern Himalayas. Botanical characters were studied by stereomicroscope and compound microscope. Molecular identification was done by DNA barcoding and chemical identification by chemical fingerprinting (TLC and HPTLC), LC-MS profiling, and NMR studies. Results The botanical characters involved detailed morpho-anatomical characterization of herbal samples. The DNA barcoding exhibited a 100% identification match of generated barcode sequences with NCBI database sequences for all the selected markers. Chemical profiling revealed diosgenin, makisterone A, and 20-hydroxy ecdysone as major constituents in the rhizome sample, confirming the authenticity of the species. Conclusion The integrated authentication approach employing botanical standardization, DNA barcoding, and chemical profiling will be a promising tool for accurately identifying the genuine raw herbal material of T. govanianum.
An applied model of cultural competence in child protection practice
Authors: Laird Siobhan , Williams Cath 
Published: March 2023

This empirical qualitative study explores the application of a model of cultural competence in child protection practice with families from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds in the United Kingdom. Data were collected through audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews with a sample of 17 social workers and family support workers across two local government children's social care agencies. The interview route explored practitioners’ experiences of professional work with children and families from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. They were asked to describe good practices in relation to cultural competence around the initial contact, assessment and care planning. Transcripts of these interviews were uploaded to Nvivo12 software and coded in two stages, initially for emergent themes and subsequently in relation to the ASKED model of cultural competence. Data analysis revealed multiple examples of good practice which were analysed employing the five dimensions of the ASKED model, namely, cultural awareness, cultural skill, cultural knowledge, cultural encounter, and cultural desire. By mapping the approaches developed and employed by practitioners onto the five ASKED dimensions, these became discernible and therefore potentially transferable learning for others. The ASKED model of cultural competence is a means of capturing good practice in a systematic and detailed way, making it sharable with other child protection professionals. ASKED is also a framework for moving beyond anti-oppressive theory to practical implementable antioppressive practices with families from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Synthesis of Polyarylates with Allylic Side Groups. Part 3. Polyarylates Based on 1,3-bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene) Acetone
Authors: Zadrozna I. , Brzozowski Z.K. , Noniewicz K. , Dyrda M. 
Published: March 2023

Several UV-sensitive polyarylates based on 1,3-bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)acetone were obtained by interfacial poly-condensation foruse as potential photo-sensitive polymers. The structures of the UV-sensitive monomers and polymers obtained were confirmed using 1R, 1HNMR and UV spectroscopies. Their physical, chemical and mechanical properties were determined. The investigations show that some of the new polymers possessing allylic groups as photosensitive side chains conjugated with bisbenzylideneketone groups exhibit different behaviour under UV light exposure from polyarylates based only on bisbenzylideneketone bisphenols presented in our previous work.
Stress Corrosion Cracking in Fibreglass Composite Structures - A Case Study
Authors: Frankle Robert S. 
Published: March 2023

One failure mechanism experienced by fibreglass composite structures is stress corrosion cracking, which occurs in structures under load in a corrosive environment. Over time, stress corrosion cracking attacks the glass fibres, which weakens the structure and can lead to premature failure. Stress corrosion cracking failure is characterized by flat fracture surfaces perpendicular to the fibres at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Prevention of stress corrosion cracking includes proper selection of fibre and resin, and use of a protective layer between the glass fibres and the environment. Fibreglass structures that have failed due to stress corrosion cracking include chemical tanks, sewer pipe and pressure vessels. This paper describes the phenomenon of stress corrosion cracking in fibreglass composite structures. It also presents, as a case study, the investigation of the failure of a fibreglass overwrapped compressed air cylinder, used in a self-contained breathing apparatus. The failure was attributed to stress corrosion cracking following exposure to a highly acidic cleaning fluid. The cause of the failure was determined based on the results of fractography, chemical analysis, and stress corrosion tests performed on samples of the accident cylinder.
Effect of Particle Shape on the Mechanical Properties of Particle-Filled PVC
Authors: Nakamura Yoshinobu , Okabe Seiji , Yoshimoto Norihisa , Iida Takeo 
Published: March 2023

The effects of particle volume fraction, size and shape on the yield stress of a particle-filled ductile polymer were investigated. For this purpose, 10–50 parts of glass beads ranging in size from about 50 to 200 μm were mixed with 100 parts of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as a ductile matrix using a mixing roll, and tensile tests were carried out. The yield stress decreased considerably with an increase in filler content, but only decreased slightly with an increase in particle size. To clarify the effect of particle shape, agglomerates of the glass beads were prepared by treating them with poly(vinyl alcohol), which has poor compatibility with the PVC matrix. It was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy that the agglomerates, consisting of a few beads on the average, were dispersed in the matrix. The decrease in the yield stress was smaller in the agglomerate-filled resin than in the original bead-filled resin. The shape of the particles seems to be important in moderating the decrease in the yield stress of particle-filled ductile polymers. The authors are grateful to Mr. Toshiki Takamatsu, New Metals and Chemicals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan for measuring the particle size distributions and for his useful suggestions, and also to Bihoku Funka Kogyo Co., Ltd., Okayama, Japan for the CaCO3 particles.
Iatrogenic Abdominal Aortic Rupture During Transpedicular Bone Grafting for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Successfully Treated by Endovascular Stent Implantation
Authors: Tang Shenghui , Zhang Haonan , Zuo Junhua , Liang Biru , Zhang Hongda , Wu Songsong 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Vascular injury resulting from transpedicular bone grafting in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures has not been reported but can be lethal. The management of patients with iatrogenic aortic injury remains a difficult clinical problem. This study describes a case of iatrogenic abdominal aortic rupture at the level of L2 during transpedicular bone grafting for the first time. Case Report: A 55 year-old male patient suffered from a T12 vertebral body mild compression fracture and an L2 vertebral body burst fracture due to falling. This patient was treated with posterior open reduction and pedicle screw fixation combined with transpedicular bone grafting in the L2 vertebrae using a paravertebral approach. Unfortunately, during transpedicular bone grafting, the abdominal aorta was punctured by the tip of the graft funnel. The use of endovascular stent implantation successfully averted a clinical catastrophe. The patient had a good clinical outcome, and no complications associated with vascular trauma were apparent at a 1-year follow-up examination. Conclusion: For the repair of vascular injury caused by transpedicular bone grafting, endovascular techniques can provide a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment option. Clinical Impact Surgeons should carefully evaluate the specificity of the patient’s anatomical structures preoperatively and be more cautious during transpedicular bone grafting in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.
Quantitative Techniques of Ultrasonography in the Assessment of Femoropopliteal Atherosclerotic Lesions Using Peak Systolic Velocity Ratio: Results From the TURN-UP Study
Authors: Hayashi Aiko , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Fujihara Masahiko , Komiya Yumiko , Aoki Shun , Enoki Mina , Miyauchi Takamitsu , Tanimoto Rika , Fujisaki Jun , Ishida Keisuke , Yamasaki Masayuki , Waratani Naoto , Kawaguchi Harumi , Yamaoka Terutoshi 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Duplex ultrasound (DUS)-measured peak systolic velocity ratios (PSVRs) are commonly used to evaluate arterial stenosis in lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). However, these measurement methods have not yet been standardized. This study aimed to reveal the influence of measuring methods on PSVR values. Methods: A 132 femoropopliteal lesions with PSVR ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 evaluated using method A (angle correction 60°, the direction of blood flow, the no or few atherosclerotic changes closest to the lesion proximal side was defined as the nonstenotic area) were included. The following 4 different methods were then compared with method A: method B, angle correction 45°; method C, angle correction 60° measured along the vessel wall; D, angle correction 60°, with the nonstenotic area the lowest peak systolic velocity area; and E, angle correction 60°, with the reference point fixed at 2 cm proximal to the target lesion area. The difference in PSVR values was analyzed using the Bland-Altman method. Results: The mean PSVR value measured by method A was 2.27±0.51, those measured by methods B, C, D, and E were 2.21±0.55, 2.31±0.66, 2.34±0.63, and 2.11±0.63, respectively. The 95% prediction intervals of the differences in PSVR measurements versus A were -0.64 to +0.53 for method B, −0.59 to +0.68 for method C, −0.77 to +0.91 for method D, and −1.12 to +0.79 for method E. Conclusion: PSVR values considerably differed between measuring methods. PSVR values by DUS are largely dependent on the measurement methods, which could considerably affect the judgment of LEAD. Clinical Impact: Due to differences in several DUS measurement methods, the PSVR results could be changed. Therefore, to need further investigations and unification of measurement method.
Entry Site Is Associated With Aortic Enlargement After Pre-emptive Endovascular Repair for Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Cho Tomoki , Uchida Keiji , Yasuda Shota , Izubuchi Ryo , Kaneko Shotaro , Matsumoto Atsushi , Ikematsu Makoto , Kakuta Sho 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: We aimed to examine the mid-term results corresponding to the entry site in patients who underwent pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods: We included 27 patients who underwent pre-emptive TEVAR for uncomplicated TBAD between September 2014 and December 2019. We divided the patients into 2 groups depending on the proximal landing zone (zone 2 group, zone ≥3 group) and retrospectively analyzed the risk of all-cause and aorta-related mortality, aortic events (rupture, open conversion, and secondary intervention), and aortic enlargement (≥5 mm). Results: The median age of the patients was 53 (47–65) years. The median duration from the onset of uncomplicated TBAD to TEVAR was 43 (30–99) days, and the median follow-up duration was 48 (36–57) months. The maximum preoperative diameter of the dissected aorta was 40 mm in the zone 2 group and 35 mm in the zone ≥3 group (p=0.134). There was no case of hospital death or spinal cord ischemia; however, there was 1 (3.7%) case of perioperative stroke in the zone 2 group. Multivariate analysis of the risk factors for aortic enlargement following pre-emptive TEVAR for uncomplicated TBAD revealed that only zone 2 landing was an independent risk factor. The estimated Kaplan-Meier curve showed a higher rate of aortic enlargement in the zone 2 group at 4 years after pre-emptive TEVAR (46.4% vs 0%, log-rank test; p=0.011). Conclusions: In this study on TBAD, we found that zone 2 landing was associated with aortic enlargement after pre-emptive TEVAR. In cases where the distance from the left subclavian artery to a major entry point was short, there were more cases of aortic dilatation. Clinical Impact The effectiveness of entry closure for type B aortic dissection was demonstrated in the INSTEAD XL trial. The cause of aortic enlargement after pre-emptive endovascular treatment for type B aortic dissection remains controversial. In the present study, zone 2 landing was a risk factor for aortic enlargement after pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated type B dissection. Patients with zone 2 landing should be closely followed up after pre-emptive TEVAR.
A case of symptomatic intramesenteric accessory spleen: The diagnostic role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Lepore Federica , Di Sabatino Antonio , Maconi Giovanni 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Accessory spleen is a congenital defect characterised by a separated ectopic splenic parenchyma usually located in the splenic hilum and the tail of the pancreas. It is present in about 10%–30% of the population and, generally, does not cause any symptoms. Case report: We report an interesting case of a woman with symptomatic intramesenteric accessory spleen detected and characterised by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The patient experienced a long history of intermittent pain in the left upper abdomen. The diagnosis was confirmed by post-operative pathology examination. Discussion: Accessory spleen usually appears as a well-circumscribed ovoid mass, 1–3 cm in diameter, infrequently located in the mesentery. It may rarely become symptomatic because of complications. Diagnosis of this condition as a cause of abdominal is difficult and rarely has been made pre-operatively. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging might help, but they should be performed with intravenous contrast injection, and they cannot provide direct evidence between the pain of the patient and the lesion. Conversely, real-time ultrasound can assess and diagnose the lesion showing the exact correspondence with abdominal pain of the patient. Furthermore, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are widely available, safe and relatively inexpensive. Conclusion: Apart from the rarity of this condition, this case report demonstrates the ability of ultrasound to localise the intramesenteric accessory spleen, assess the relationship between the lesion and the symptoms of the patient, and characterise the lesion.