bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic and equilibrium studies of adsorption of acid blue dye onto preformed flocs as adsorbents
Authors: Munilakshmi Nijagala , Srimurali Muduru , Karthikeyan Janakiram , Nagaraju Charmathi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAdsorption studies of decolorization of Acid blue dye by using novel adsorbents of preformed flocs of Aluminum Sulphate, Ferric Chloride, and Ferrous Sulphate were carried out through non‐flow batch sorption studies. The influence of pH, equilibrium contact time, and floc dose on color removal was studied. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out to know the efficacy of adsorbents in the decolorization of an aqueous solution of C.I. Acid blue 113 dye. In order to probe into the mechanism involved in the decolorization of dye solution, FTIR and SEM studies were conducted. The Langmuir isotherm was well fitted to the equilibrium data implying that there is monolayer formation in the process of sorption. Kinetic data fitted well to pseudo second order which states that chemisorption is the rate limiting step in the adsorption process. The adsorption capacity of preformed flocs of aluminum sulphate, ferric chloride, and ferrous sulphate were found to be 450 mg/g, 500 mg/g, and 125 mg/g. FTIR and SEM studies shows that there is adsorbent‐dye complex formation in the adsorption process of decolorization of Acid dye with preformed flocs.
Immunotherapy in the First‐Line Treatment of Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Guven Deniz Can , Stephen Bettzy , Sahin Taha Koray , Cakir Ibrahim Yahya , Aksoy Sercan 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesData regarding the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are limited in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis of phase‐III clinical trials to evaluate the benefit of adding ICIs to chemotherapy in the first‐line treatment of advanced NPC.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase for studies published until September 21, 2022. The meta‐analyses were performed with the generic inverse‐variance method with a random‐effects model. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were the principal summary measures. This protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD 42022361866).ResultsThree eligible studies with a total of 815 patients were included. The addition of ICIs to standard chemotherapy significantly improved PFS (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43–0.63, p < 0.0001). Although the OS results were immature, ICIs significantly reduced the risk of death (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47–0.84, p = 0.0020). The benefit of ICIs was consistent regardless of initial disease presentation (recurrent or de novo), baseline EBV levels, PD‐L1 expression, and ECOG performance status. No significant difference in the rates of serious adverse events (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.74–1.30) was found between the two groups.ConclusionThe available evidence demonstrates that adding ICIs to chemotherapy in the first‐line treatment of advanced NPC provided better PFS with acceptable safety. However, a longer follow‐up is required to evaluate the true OS benefit of these combinations.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:7–17, 2024
Brownian Dynamics Investigations of the Scattering Functions of Ideal and Excluded Volume Linear Polymers in Higher Dimensions
Authors: Dinh Khoa Dang , Bishop Marvin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBrownian Dynamics is used to investigate the scattering functions of ideal and excluded volume linear polymers in two to seven spatial dimensions. The scattering functions for ideal and excluded volume polymers examined are in agreement with theoretical predictions in all dimensions. As the dimension is increased, the scattering functions for the excluded volume chains converge toward the ideal results. These findings indicate that excluded volume chains behave more and more as ideal ones as the dimension gets larger.
Sural communicating nerve for application as a vascularized nerve graft: A microneurovascular anatomic study in cadavers
Authors: Kannan Ruben , Khajuria Ankur , Davies D. Ceri , Rymer Ben , Nduka Charles , Koshima Isao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionSural nerve harvest causes paraesthesia to the lateral heel of the foot, which can debilitate those with already compromised proprioception. To circumvent this, we investigated an alternative donor nerve, branch of the lateral sural nerve complex called the sural communicating nerve (SCoNe), for its harvest and use as a vascularized nerve graft, in cadaver.MethodsThe SCoNe was visualized by dissection in 15 legs from 8 human cadavers and the relationship of the SCoNe to the overall sural nerve complex was documented. The surface markings, dimensions, and the micro‐neurovascular anatomy in the super‐microsurgery range (up to 0.30 mm) of the SCoNe was recorded and analyzed.ResultsSCoNe graft surface marking was confined within a triangle drawn between the fibular head laterally, the popliteal vertical midline medially and the tip of the lateral malleolus inferiorly. The proximal end of the SCoNe was situated at a mean intersection distance of 5 cm from both the fibular head and popliteal midline respectively. The mean length of the SCoNe was 226 ± 43 mm with a mean proximal diameter of 0.82 mm and mean distal diameter of 0.93 mm. In 53% of the cadavers, an arterial input was present in the proximal third of the SCoNe and veins were predominantly (87%) present in the distal third. In 46% and 20% of the 15 legs respectively, there was a nutrient artery and vein perfusing the SCoNe in its central segment. The external mean diameter of this artery was 0.60 ± 0.30 mm, while the vein was slightly larger with a mean diameter of 0.90 ± 0.50 mm.DiscussionSCoNe graft may preserve lateral heel sensation, compared to sural nerve harvest, pending clinical studies. It may have wide applications as a vascularized nerve graft, including being ideal as a vascularized cross‐facial nerve graft because its nerve diameter is similar to the distal facial nerve branches. The accompanying artery is a good anastomotic match to the superior labial artery.
Tumor phantom model for MRI‐guided focused ultrasound ablation studies
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Evripidou Nikolas , Georgiou Leonidas , Chrysanthou Antreas , Ioannides Cleanthis , Damianou Christakis 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe persistent development of focused ultrasound (FUS) thermal therapy in the context of oncology creates the need for tissue‐mimicking tumor phantom models for early‐stage experimentation and evaluation of relevant systems and protocols.PurposeThis study presents the development and evaluation of a tumor‐bearing tissue phantom model for testing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided FUS (MRgFUS) ablation protocols and equipment based on MR thermometry.MethodsNormal tissue was mimicked by a pure agar gel, while the tumor simulator was differentiated from the surrounding material by including silicon dioxide. The phantom was characterized in terms of acoustic, thermal, and MRI properties. US, MRI, and computed tomography (CT) images of the phantom were acquired to assess the contrast between the two compartments. The phantom's response to thermal heating was investigated by performing high power sonications with a 2.4 MHz single element spherically focused ultrasonic transducer in a 3T MRI scanner.ResultsThe estimated phantom properties fall within the range of literature‐reported values of soft tissues. The inclusion of silicon dioxide in the tumor material offered excellent tumor visualization in US, MRI, and CT. MR thermometry revealed temperature elevations in the phantom to ablation levels and clear evidence of larger heat accumulation within the tumor owing to the inclusion of silicon dioxide.ConclusionOverall, the study findings suggest that the proposed tumor phantom model constitutes a simple and inexpensive tool for preclinical MRgFUS ablation studies, and potentially other image‐guided thermal ablation applications upon minimal modifications.
The effect of splenic vein diameter on the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Xiong Zhuxiang , Yan Yuling , Wang Xiaoze , Liu Zhan , Luo Xuefeng , Zheng Tinghui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundIt was still controversial that whether the increase of splenic vein (SV) diameter increased the risk of portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which was a severe disease with high mortality, in the clinic.PurposesThis study, using computational fluid dynamics method, aimed to investigate how the increase of SV diameter affects the portal vein hemodynamics under different anatomical and geometric features of the portal venous system, thus how it induced to PVT.MethodsThe ideal models of the portal system, including different anatomical structures according to the location of left gastric vein (LGV) and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV), and different geometric morphological parameters models were established to carry out numerical simulation in this study. In addition, the morphological parameters of real patients were measured to verify the numerical simulation results.ResultsFirst, the wall shear stress (WSS) and helicity intensity, which were closely related to the occurrence of thrombosis, gradually decreased with the increase of SV diameter in all models. However, the degree of decrease was bigger in following models: (1) the models with LGV and IMV linking to SV compared with them linking to PV; (2) the models with big angle of PV and SV compared with small angle. In addition, the morbidity of PVT was higher when LGV and IMV linked to SV rather than them linked to PV in the real patients. Moreover, the angle of PV and SV was also different between PVT and non‐PVT patients (125.53° ± 16.90° vs. 115.03° ± 16.10°, p = 0.01).ConclusionWhether the increase of SV diameter will result in PVT is depended on the anatomical structure of portal system and the angle between PV and SV, this is also the reason leading to the clinical controversy that the increase of SV diameter is the risk factor of PVT.
Simultaneously cured diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A and polyethylene glycol: DSC, TGA, and DMA measurements
Authors: Ghallemohamadi Mehrdad Omidi , Heydari Iman , Jahani Abolfazl , Behniafar Hossein 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this study, to improve the physico‐mechanical properties of epoxy thermosets, simultaneous curing of two resins with a stoichiometric amount of an aromatic amine hardener was investigated. The two resins used included the well‐known diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBPA) with relatively rigid molecular structure and a diglycidyl ether derived from a popular polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), with loose molecular structure (DGEPEG). DGEPEG was used in amounts of 10 and 25 mol% in the resin mixture. A single‐resin curing process, including only DGEBA, was also examined. Before isothermal curing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine the position of the curing exotherm. To ensure the completion of the curing processes, infra‐red (IR) and DSC techniques were performed on both simultaneously‐cured thermosets and the control thermoset. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the prepared thermosets showed that the addition of DGEPEG resin in the curing process of DGEBA resin has no significant effect on reducing the thermal resistance of the thermoset. In addition, the storage moduli (E′) and the damping coefficients (tan δ) were measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). As the mole percentage of DGEPEG resin increased, the rapid drop in the E′ value and the α‐relaxation, which is a measure of the glass transition (Tg), occurred at lower temperatures.
A comprehensive strategy for prediction and quality evaluation of standardized planting herbs based on plant metabolomics coupled with extreme learning machine: Astragali Radix as an example
Authors: Li Chenyue , Lv Yangbin , Gao Wei , Mao Keji , Shan Weiguang , Tong Shengqiang , Xing Xiaolin , Qiu Feijun , Xia Zhengyan , Chu Chu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionStandardizing the planting process is an effective way to control the quality stability of herbal resources, which are susceptible to external environmental factors (e.g., moisture, soil, etc.). However, how to scientifically and comprehensively assess the effects of standardized planting on plant quality and quickly test unknown samples has not been addressed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine and compare the metabolite levels of herbs before and after standardized planting, to quickly distinguish their sources, and to evaluate their quality, using the typical herb Astragali Radix (AR) as an example.MethodsIn this study, an efficient strategy using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) based on plant metabolomics combined with extreme learning machine (ELM) has been developed to efficiently distinguish and predict AR after standardized planting. Moreover, a comprehensive multi‐index scoring method has been developed for the comprehensive evaluation of the quality of AR.ResultsThe results confirmed that AR after standardized planting was significantly differentiated, with a relatively stable content of 43 differential metabolites, mainly including flavonoids. An ELM model was established based on LC‐MS data, and the accuracy in predicting unknown samples could reach more than 90%. As expected, higher total scores were obtained for AR after standardized planting, indicating much better quality.ConclusionA dual system for evaluating the impact of standardized planting on the quality of plant resources has been established, which will significantly contribute to innovation in the quality evaluation of medicinal herbs and support the selection of optimal planting conditions.
Association between serum oxytocin levels and depressive state in community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Orihashi Ryuzo , Imamura Yoshiomi , Yamada Shigeto , Monji Akira , Mizoguchi Yoshito 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimIdentifying peripheral biomarkers related to the prevention or modification of unhealthy mental conditions in older adults would be extremely beneficial. This study aimed to evaluate serum oxytocin levels in older adults living in a rural community and their association with cognitive function, anxiety, depressive state, and well‐being.MethodsThis survey was conducted between November 2016 and September 2017 in Kurokawa‐cho, Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, among people aged ≥65 years. Blood samples were collected from the participants for serum oxytocin level analysis, which was performed using peptide enzyme immunoassay. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessments, including the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Frontal Assessment Battery, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, and 17‐item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. We examined the association between serum oxytocin levels and neuropsychological assessment results.ResultsOut of 94 participants, 25 were men and 69 were women, with mean ages of 78.24 ± 3.85 years and 78.10 ± 5.43 years, respectively. Serum oxytocin levels were negatively associated with 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Additionally, nondepressive state/depressive state was classified by the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (cut‐off 5/6). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher serum oxytocin levels tended to be associated with a less depressive state at that time.ConclusionsSerum oxytocin levels may be associated with depressive state in adults aged ≥65 years.
Knockout of tyramine receptor 1 results in a decrease of oviposition, mating, and sex pheromone biosynthesis in female Plutella xylostella
Authors: Zheng Wei , Ma Haihao , Liu Zhangyang , Zhou Yong , Zhu Hang , Liu Jia , Zhang Chengjia , Liu Zheming , Zhou Xiaomao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDMating and oviposition are essential and closely coordinated events in the reproduction of moths. Although tyramine, a biogenic amine, can affect insect reproduction by binding its receptors, the specific regulatory mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.RESULTSPlutella xylostella mutant with tyramine receptor 1 (TAR1) knockout (homozygous mutant with 7‐bp deletion, Mut7) was developed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system to investigate the effect of TAR1 knockout on the reproduction of the moth. Compared with wild‐type (WT), the egg yield of Mut7 female (Mut7F) was significantly lower, no significant difference was observed in the egg size and hatching ratio between the groups. Further analysis showed that TAR1 knockout adversely affected ovary development, characterized by shorter ovarioles and fewer mature oocyte. Additionally, TAR1 knockout significantly reduced the occurrence of mating, resulting in a decrease in egg yield in Mut7F. The amounts of sex pheromones were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results showed that the amounts of sex pheromone released by Mut7F were significantly lower before mating. Correspondingly, the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of sex pheromone biosynthesis enzymes, including acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and desaturase (DES), were significantly lower in the Mut7F pheromone gland. The decreased sex pheromone biosynthesis in Mut7F, especially before re‐mating, may be related to the underexpression of pheromone biosynthesis‐activated neuropeptide (PBAN).CONCLUSIONOverall, this study investigated the effect of PxTAR1 on oviposition and mating of P. xylostella. We report for the first time that TAR1 knockout could reduce the sex pheromone biosynthesis. These findings provide insights for developing a novel integrated pest control strategy based on mating interference. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pharmacokinetic analysis across studies to drive knowledge‐integration: A tutorial on individual patient data meta‐analysis (IPDMA)
Authors: van Wijk Rob C. , Imperial Marjorie Z. , Savic Radojka M. , Solans Belén P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAnswering challenging questions in drug development sometimes requires pharmacokinetic (PK) data analysis across different studies, for example, to characterize PKs across diverse regions or populations, or to increase statistical power for subpopulations by combining smaller size trials. Given the growing interest in data sharing and advanced computational methods, knowledge integration based on multiple data sources is increasingly applied in the context of model‐informed drug discovery and development. A powerful analysis method is the individual patient data meta‐analysis (IPDMA), leveraging systematic review of databases and literature, with the most detailed data type of the individual patient, and quantitative modeling of the PK processes, including capturing heterogeneity of variance between studies. The methodology that should be used in IPDMA in the context of population PK analysis is summarized in this tutorial, highlighting areas of special attention compared to standard PK modeling, including hierarchical nested variability terms for interstudy variability, and handling between‐assay differences in limits of quantification within a single analysis. This tutorial is intended for any pharmacological modeler who is interested in performing an integrated analysis of PK data across different studies in a systematic and thorough manner, to answer questions that transcend individual primary studies.
Bayesian borrowing from historical control data in a vaccine efficacy trial
Authors: Peng Lin , Jin Jing , Chambonneau Laurent , Zhao Xing , Zhang Juying 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn the context of vaccine efficacy trial where the incidence rate is very low and a very large sample size is usually expected, incorporating historical data into a new trial is extremely attractive to reduce sample size and increase estimation precision. Nevertheless, for some infectious diseases, seasonal change in incidence rates poses a huge challenge in borrowing historical data and a critical question is how to properly take advantage of historical data borrowing with acceptable tolerance to between‐trials heterogeneity commonly from seasonal disease transmission. In this article, we extend a probability‐based power prior which determines the amount of information to be borrowed based on the agreement between the historical and current data, to make it applicable for either a single or multiple historical trials available, with constraint on the amount of historical information to be borrowed. Simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the proposed method with other methods including modified power prior (MPP), meta‐analytic‐predictive (MAP) prior and the commensurate prior methods. Furthermore, we illustrate the application of the proposed method for trial design in a practical setting.
Astragaloside IV ameliorates radiation‐induced nerve cell damage by activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xin , Ding Yanping , Jiang Chenxin , Ma Xin , Xin Yuanyuan , Li Yingdong , Zhang Shengxiang , Shao Baoping 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRadiation can induce nerve cell damage. Synapse connectivity and functionality are thought to be the essential foundation of all cognitive functions. Therefore, treating and preventing damage to synaptic structure and function is an urgent challenge. Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) is a glycoside extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.). Bunge is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine in China with various pharmacological properties, including protective effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the effect of AS‐IV on synapse damage and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in radiated C57BL/6 mice with X‐rays was investigated. PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons were exposed to UVA in vitro. Open field test and rotarod test were used to observe the effects of AS‐IV on the motor and explore the abilities of radiated mice. The pathological changes in the brain were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to detect the synapse damage. The expressions of the BDNF/TrkB pathway and neuroprotection‐related molecules were detected by Western blotting and Quantitative‐RTPCR, respectively. The results showed that AS‐IV could improve the motor and explore abilities of radiated mice, reduce pathological damage to the cortex, enhance neuroprotection functions, and activate BDNF/TrkB pathway. In conclusion, AS‐IV could relieve radiation‐induced synapse damage, at least partly through the BDNF/TrkB pathway.