bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving thermal stability of biopolymer nanocomposite of aloe vera gel reinforced with Mango seed shell cellulose nanocrystals and Evaluating Its Anti-bacterial activity
Authors: Turunesh Debela Jufar , Yihun Fantahun Aklog , Zelekew Osman Ahmed , Ayana Misganaw Tegegne , Zeleke Tamene Simachew 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability and eco-friendly aloe vera gel biopolymer reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals materials improved the thermal stability of biopolymer nanocomposite. Aloe vera gel powered was extracted from leaves by alcohol precipitation method, and cellulose nanocrystals were prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis of purified mango seed shell cellulose and were used as reinforcement with aloe vera gel by solution method under strong stirring and addition of glycerol as cross-linking agents. Mango seed shell cellulose nanocrystals and the nanocomposite were characterized with ultraviolet visible, fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite were also measured. A significant enhancement of the thermal stability was achieved with a small loading of cellulose nanocrystals to the aloe vera gel matrix. The results of thermal properties show that 3 wt.% CNCs containing nanocomposite have higher thermal stability among other wt.% CNC. The improvements in thermal properties suggest a close interaction between filler and matrix as shown from FTIR results increasing CNCs decreases the intensity of the peaks. The SEM image shows that good improvement in morphology and good dispersion cellulose nanocrystals in aloe vera gel matrixes. Even though, all synthesized biopolymer nanocomposites show a significant antibacterial activity even at lower concentration; 3 wt. % CNCs containing nanocomposite has higher antibacterial activity than the others.
Improving dye utilization rate at high concentration to realize cleaner production by changing wettability of cotton
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Hongjuan , Ding Lei , Wang Zhengkai , Chen Linguo , Song Xiyu , Pei Liujun , Yang Qun , Wang Jiping 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Conventional reactive dyeing generates colored effluents with large amounts of salt and alkali. Herein, we firstly used sodium hydroxide to pretreat cotton fabric to obtain different wettability. Then the non-aqueous dyeing system was applied to the eco-friendly dyeing and washing process of cotton fiber. Meanwhile, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), Zeta potential, and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analysis had been performed to analyze the difference of cotton fibers before and after pretreatment. Furthermore, the effect of pretreatment on the adsorption behavior was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations (MD). As compared with untreated cotton, the about 23.0 percent increase in K/S value was achieved for azo reactive dyes. Findings from FT-IR, Zeta potential, and XRD spectrum showed that the number of available -OH of cotton involved in the dyeing increased after pretreatment. MD simulations demonstrated that the order of carbon atom on pretreated fibers and desorption coefficient of dyes decreased. While, the interaction energy between dye molecules and pretreated cotton fibers increased. As a result, reactive dye molecules showed a faster adsorption behavior on the pretreated fiber surface. Therefore, the pretreatment of cotton fabric is an effective way to improve the utilization rate of reactive dyes in non-aqueous media and realize the clean dyeing of reactive dyes.
Diagnostic and Prognostic values of systemic inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhan Fengxia , Geng Congcong , Lei Feng , Yan Shujun , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Zhang Ping , Zhu Shuzhen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Systemic inflammation plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to systematically and comprehensively analyze the levels of systemic inflammatory markers in CRC patients and their correlation with clinicopathological parameters, to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of systemic inflammatory markers for CRC.
Methods
A total of 115 patients with CRC, 79 patients with adenomatous polyp and 215 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood routine test was measured by SYSMEX XN-9000 Automatic five classifications hematology System. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was measured by electrochemiluminescence by immunoassay on the Roche Cobas e701.
Results
The levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as neutrophils, monocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in CRC patients were significantly higher than those in adenomas and healthy controls. Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was found statistically significantly lower in CRC patients compared with adenoma and healthy controls. The clinicopathological features of CRC have certain correlation with systemic inflammatory markers. ROC curve analysis showed that LMR, SIRI and RDW had better diagnostic efficiency than other inflammatory markers, and they could effectively distinguish CRC from healthy individuals and adenomas. The combination of systemic inflammatory biomarkers and CEA can improve the diagnostic efficacy of CRC. Especially, the combined application of SIRI, RDW and CEA had the best predictive value with a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 94%. RDW and CEA served as an independent prognostic indicator in CRC patients.
Conclusions
These results suggested that systemic inflammatory markers of LMR, SIRI and RDW had good diagnostic value. The combination of SIRI, RDW and CEA were the optimal diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. RDW and CEA could be acted as an independent risk factor for CRC prognostic.
Total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique for kommerell's diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery
Authors: Yabu Naoto , Minami Tomoyuki , Izubuchi Ryo , Kojima Takahiro , Yamazaki Ichiya 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Kommerell's diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery is uncommon. We perforemed a single-stage procedure with the frozen elephant trunk technique.
we perforemed total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique
Case presentation: A 62-year-old man underwent aortic dissection a year ago, and computerized tomographic angiography performed at that time revealed a right aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum (4.2 cm), and an aberrant left subclavian artery. We performed one-stage repair through median sternotomy. The cervical branches were exposed during the operation, and a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was established. The aorta was transected distally to the origin of the left carotid artery. We inserted a stent graft into the aorta, followed by peripheral anastomosis using a premade 5-branch Dacron graft. The right subclavian artery and the aorta were reconstructed, and the remaining cervical branches were reconstructed after the cross-clamp had been released.
Conclusions: Total arch replacement through median sternotomy was performed for the right aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum, and ALSA. The frozen elephant trunk technique is allowed to perform a one-stage operation safely.
Influence of the filler matrix adhesion and the effects of conditioning on tensile properties of laser sintered parts built with polyamide glass bead dry blends
Authors: Kletetzka Ivo , Kosanke Maren , Meinderink Dennis , Neßlinger Vanessa , Grundmeier Guido , Schmid Hans-Joachim 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In this work, the influence of the filler matrix adhesion on the tensile properties of laser-sintered parts built with Polyamide 613 filled with glass beads was investigated. For this purpose, dry blends of glass beads with and without organosilane coupling agents and polyamide powder were prepared and processed into tensile specimens on an EOS P396. The samples were tested both in the dry state and after an accelerated conditioning in a climate chamber. Furthermore, FEM simulations were performed to model the limiting cases of optimum adhesion and no adhesion. By correlating the tensile tests with the simulation results and by analyzing the fracture surfaces, it was shown that the filler matrix adhesion is sufficient in the dry state but is strongly degraded by conditioning. Even the presence of various organosilane thin films could not prevent a strong deterioration of the filler-matrix adhesion and the associated deterioration of the mechanical properties. Since a comparison with an injection molded sample of the same polymer filler combination shows identical behavior after conditioning, it is assumed that this problem is not limited to additively manufactured parts.
Antioxidant activity of flavonoids and phenolic acids from Dodonaea angustifolia flower: HPLC profile and PASS prediction
Authors: Tessema Fekade Beshah , Gonfa Yilma Hunde , Tadesse Mesfin Getachew , Asfaw Tilahun Belayneh , Bachheti Rakesh Kumar 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Dodonaea angustifolia is a known medicinal plant across East Arica. The flower of D. angustifolia is not well investigated in terms of phytochemistry and biological activities. This study aims to investigate the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acid in the flower of D. angustifolia and its antioxidant activity.
Methods
Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard protocols. Antioxidant activity evaluation using DPPH assay and total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) determinations in the flower extract was compared with the values of the leaf extract. UHPLC–DAD analysis was managed to develop the profile of the flower extract. Prediction of biological activity spectra for substances (PASS) was done using an online server for antioxidant and related activities.
Results
Preliminary phytochemical screening, TPC, and TFC values confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids. From HPLC analysis of flavonoids: quercetin, myricetin, rutin, and phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and syringic acid were detected and quantified. The biological activity spectrum was predicted for the detected and quantified polyphenols.
Conclusions
D. angustifolia flower is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are extractable and can be checked for further biological activity. It was possible to identify and quantify phenolic compounds through HPLC analysis in the methanol extract of D. angustifolia flower. PASS biological activity prediction results showed that there were stronger antioxidant activities for the identified flavonoids. Future work will emphasize the isolation and characterization of active principles responsible for bioactivity.
Investigate the possibility of using phosphorescence in clinical oncology as an early prognostic test in detecting brain carcinogenesis
Authors: Vinnyk Yuriy O. , Kryvoruchko Igor A. , Boyko Valeriy V. , Ivanova Yulia V. , Gramatiuk Svetlana , Sargsyan Karine 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Phosphorescence is considered one of the non-invasive glioblastoma testing methods based on studying molecular energy and the metabolism of L-tryptophan (Trp) through KP, which provides essential information on regulating immunity and neuronal function.
This study aimed to conduct a feasibility study using phosphorescence in clinical oncology as an early prognostic test in detecting Glioblastoma.
Materials and Methods. This study was conducted on 1039 patients who were operated on with follow-up between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2022, and retrospectively evaluated in participating institutions in Ukraine (the Department of Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Oncosurgery, and Palliative Care at the Kharkiv National Medical University). Method of protein phosphorescence detection included two steps. During the first step, of luminol-dependent phosphorescence intensity in serum was carried out after its activation by the light source, according to the spectrofluorimeter method, as follows. At a temperature of 30oC, serum drops were dried for 20 minutes to form a solid film. After that, we put the quartz plate with dried serum in a phosphoroscope of luminescent complex and measured the intensity. With the help of Max-Flux Diffraction Optic Parallel Beam Graded Multilayer Monochromator (Rigaku Americas Corporation) following spectral lines as 297, 313, 334, 365, 404, and 434 nm were distinguished and absorbed by serum film in the form of light quantum. The monochromator exit split width was 0.5 mm.
Results and conclusion. Considering the limitations of each of the non-invasive tools currently available, phosphorescence-based diagnostic methods are ideally integrated into the NIGT platform: a non-invasive approach for visualizing a tumor and its main tumor characteristics in the spatial and temporal order. Because trp is present in virtually every cell in the body, these fluorescent and phosphorescent fingerprints can be used to detect cancer in many different organs. Using phosphorescence, it is possible to create predictive models for GBM in both primary and secondary diagnostics. This will assist clinicians in selecting the appropriate treatment option, monitoring treatment, and adapting to the era of patient-centered precision medicine.
Optimal surgical management of duodenal fistula in Crohn’s disease: a Korean multicenter cohort study
Authors: Oh Soo Young , Kim Young Il , Yoon Yong Sik , Cho Min Soo , Park Min Young , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Lee Jong Lyul , Kim Chan Wook , Park In Ja , Lim Seok-Byung , Yu Chang Sik 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Duodenal fistula in Crohn’s disease (CDF) is a rare condition with an unclear optimal surgical management approach. We reviewed a Korean multicenter cohort of CDF surgery cases and assessed their perioperative outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical interventions.
Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent CD surgery between January 2006 and December 2021 from three tertiary medical centers were retrospectively reviewed. Only CDF cases were included in this study. The demographic and preoperative characteristics, perioperative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Among the initial population of 2149 patients who underwent surgery for CD, 23 cases (1.1%) had a CDF operation. Fourteen of these patients (60.9%) had a history of previous abdominal surgery, and 7 had duodenal fistula at the previous anastomosis site. All duodenal fistulas were excised and primarily repaired via a resection of the originating adjacent bowel. Additional procedures such as gastrojejunostomy, pyloric exclusion, or t-tube insertion was performed in 8 patients (34.8%). Eleven patients (47.8%) experienced post operative complications including for anastomosis leakages. Fistula recurrence was noted in 3 patients (13%) of which one patient required a re-operation. Biologics administration was associated with fewer adverse events by multivariable analysis (P = 0.026, Odds ratio = 0.081). Conclusion: Optimal perioperative conditioning of patients receiving a primary repair of a fistula and resection of the original diseased bowel can successfully cure CDF. Along with primary repair of the duodenum, other complementary additional procedures should be considered for better postoperative outcomes.
Nanometer-thick crystalline and amorphous zeolitic imidazolate framework films for membrane and patterning applications
Authors: Liu Qi , Miao Yurun , Villalobos Luis Francisco , Li Shaoxian , Babu Deepu J. , Chen Cailing , Chi Heng-Yu , Vahdat Mohammad Tohidi , Hao Jian , Song Shuqing , Han Yu , Tsapatsis Michael , Agrawal Kumar Varoon 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a subset of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with more than 200 characterized crystalline and amorphous networks made of divalent transition metal centers (e.g., Zn2+ and Co2+) linked by imidazolate linkers. ZIF thin films have been pursued intensively motivated by the desire to prepare membranes for selective gas and liquid separations. To achieve membranes with high throughput, as in Å-scale biological channels with nanometer-scale pathlengths, ZIF films with the minimum possible thickness, down to just one unit cell, are highly desired. Control of ZIF film thickness at the 10-nm-scale may also enable emerging, MOF-inspired, applications including patterned crystalline MOF films, and amorphous organic-inorganic resists for high-resolution electron-beam (e-beam) and extreme UV (EUV) lithography. However, the state-of-the-art methods yield ZIF films with thicknesses exceeding 40 nanometers. Here, we report a deposition method from ultra-dilute precursor mixtures that within minutes yields uniform ZIF deposits with nm-scale thickness control. On crystalline substrate such as graphene, two-dimensional crystalline ZIF (2DZIF) film with thickness of a unit-cell could be achieved, which composed of a six-membered zincimidazolate coordination ring enabling record-high H2 permselective separation performance. Deposition under identical conditions on amorphous substrates yields macroscopically smooth amorphous ZIF (aZIF) films, which can be used as negative- and positive-tone resists yielding pattern features down to 20 nm. The method reported here will likely accelerate the development of 2D crystalline and ultrathin amorphous MOF films for applications ranging from separation membranes to sensors and patterning for microelectronic applications.
The impact of the CoVid-19 pandemic on rates of adolescents receiving psychopharmacological medication in Austria
Authors: Otter Markus , Kothgassner Oswald D. , Lepuschütz Lena , Drahos Stephanie , Plener Paul L. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The CoVid-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of everyday life, including the (mental) health care system. An increase in depression and anxiety symptoms has been reported worldwide, which is particularly pronounced in females and young people. We aimed at evaluating changes in patient rates of those receiving psychopharmacological medication, often used in treating depression and anxiety.
Method: Based on data of the Austrian public health insurance institutions, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis of antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines comparing patient rate developments before and throughout the Covid19 pandemic (2013 to 2021), with a special focus on adolescents in comparison to the general population. Age- and sex specific ARIMA models were fitted to the pre Corona period (2013 Q1 – 2020 Q2), used to generate forecasts for the period from 2020 Q3 to 2021 Q4 and then compared to observed developments in the same period to assess significant deviations from the forecasted expactable development paths.
Results: A significant excess of patients receiving antidepressants both among male and female adolescents (10-14 and 15-19 years) in comparison to the expectable development path was found in most of the evaluated period (2020 Q3 – 2021 Q4), while the general population was found to be mostly within 97.5% confidence bands of the forecasts. With regards to antipsychotics, the interrupted time series analysis showed a significant excess of patients in the group of female adolescents in almost all quarters, which was especially pronounced in the age group 15-19. Antipsychotics patient rates within the general population only showed significant excess in two quarters. No significant uptake beyond the expactable development paths were found in regard to prescriptions of benzodiazepines in any group.
Conclusion: Increased rates of patients receiving antidepressants and antipsychotics, which were especially pronounced in female adolescents, echo epidemiological evidence from multiple studies worldwide reporting an increase in depression and anxiety. Whereas the increasing rates of adolescent patients receiving antidepressants correspond with the use of this medication class as proposed in treatment guidelines for the respective disorders, the increased patient rates in antipsychotics might be understood as a signal for the off-label use of these compounds.
Progesterone-Mediated Reversal of Mifepristone-Induced Pregnancy Termination in an Animal Model: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Camilleri Christina , Sammut Stephen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
A substantial proportion of pregnancies end in induced abortion globally, with drug-induced abortion increasing in availability and use. However, data also indicates a percentage of women who, following mifepristone administration, seek assistance in potentially reversing the abortion process. While previous literature has suggested the potential for progesterone-mediated reversal of mifepristone-induced abortion, this process has not been effectively investigated pre-clinically, with only one rat model indicating the potential based on simultaneous mifepristone/progesterone administration. Thus, our study explored the potential reversal of mifepristone-induced pregnancy termination using progesterone in an animal model (administered at a human equivalent of ~ 6–9 hours post-mifepristone), where the process of pregnancy termination was clearly initiated.
Methods
Female Long-Evans rats were divided into three groups (n = 10–16/group): Pregnant control (M-P-), mifepristone-only/abortion (M + P-) and mifepristone + progesterone (M + P+). Drug/vehicle administration occurred on day 12 of gestation (first-trimester human equivalent). Rat weight was measured throughout gestation. Uterine blood, collected post-drug/vehicle administration, was analyzed spectrophotometrically to measure blood loss. Additionally, at the end of gestation (day 21), ultrasound was utilized to confirm pregnancy and measure fetal heart rate. Number of gestational sacs, uterine weights and diameters were obtained following tissue collection.
Results
Our results indicate that progesterone administration following mifepristone-induced initiation of abortion (indicated by weight loss and uterine bleeding) reversed the process in 81% of rats in the M + P + group. Furthermore, following the initial weight loss, rats in this group proceeded to gain weight at a similar rate to those in the M-P- group, in contrast to the continued decrease displayed by the M + P- group (and unsuccessful reversals). Moreover, while uterine blood loss was similar to that of the M + P- group (confirming abortion initiation), number of gestational sacs, uterine weights, diameters, approximate fetal weights and fetal heart rates were similar to the M-P- group.
Conclusions
Thus, our results indicate a clear progesterone-mediated reversal of an initiated mifepristone-induced pregnancy termination in an animal model (i.e., pre-clinical level) at first-trimester human equivalent, with resultant fully developed living fetuses at the end of gestation, clearly indicating the necessity for further pre-clinical investigation to assist in better informing the scientific and medical communities of the potential implications in humans.