bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry redefines optimal testosterone thresholds in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Beck Jérémie , Rouleau Mélanie , Lemire Francis , Neveu Bertrand , Déry Michel , Thériault Benoît , Dubois Gabriel , Guérette Dominique , Pouliot Frédéric 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard of care for prostate cancer treatment. Studies suggest that patients with testosterone levels below 0.7 nM have a longer time to castration resistance. Using the most accurate testosterone measurement method, namely mass spectrometry (MS), we sought to determine if a lower testosterone level under ADT could be associated with longer time to castration resistance.MethodsThis retrospective study included 138 prostate cancer patients undergoing noncurative continuous ADT for which we had access to testosterone measurements assessed by MS. For 108 samples, paired immunoassays (IA) testosterone measurement was available. Primary outcome was time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The Contal and O'Quigley method was used to determine the optimal testosterone castration cut‐off point considering the outcome and time‐to‐event variables. Relationship between testosterone levels assessed either by IA or MS and time to CRPC was evaluated using Cox regression.ResultsMean testosterone level was 0.370 nM by IA and 0.275 nM as assessed by MS. The optimal testosterone cut‐off point identified to predict time to CRPC was of 0.705 nM for IA and of 0.270 nM for MS. While no significant difference for time to CRPC was found between patients showing IA testosterone level ≥0.705 nM versus <0.705 nM (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.579; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.908–2.745), patients with MS testosterone ≥0.270 nM had an increased risk of progression to CRPC compared to MS testosterone <0.270 nM in univariate (HR: 1.717; 95% CI: 1.160–2.541) and multivariate analysis (HR: 1.662; 95% CI: 1.043–2.648).ConclusionsThe higher sensitivity of MS testosterone measurement methods allows the identification of a lower castration threshold and leads to early identification of patients more likely to progress to CRPC. These patients would likely benefit from treatment intensification by androgen receptor axis‐targeted therapies to delay disease progression.
Population model‐based analysis of the memory B‐cell response following belimumab therapy in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dimelow Richard , Gillespie William R. , van Maurik Andre 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by B‐cell hyperactivity and breach of tolerance. Autoreactive memory B cells, which have a decreased activation threshold and the ability to survive in absence of antigen, are believed to contribute to chronicity in autoimmune diseases like SLE. Belimumab, the first approved biological treatment of active SLE and lupus nephritis, reduces B cells dependent on B‐lymphocyte stimulator protein (BLyS) for survival, whereas memory B cells are spared; several studies reported circulating memory B‐cell concentrations increase following BLyS neutralization. This analysis investigated the effect of dose, demographics, and disease status on memory B‐cell response after starting belimumab treatment. Population pharmacodynamic models were fitted to a pooled dataset from seven belimumab SLE trials. The optimal model was selected using maximum likelihood methods and was then refit to the data using Bayesian analysis and used to simulate memory B‐cell response by belimumab dose and covariate subgroups. At the belimumab approved doses (10 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks, 200 mg subcutaneously every week), circulatory memory B cells increase in the first 4–8 weeks after belimumab initiation, typically returning to baseline levels over 76 weeks. The model analysis suggested belimumab stimulates memory B‐cell transition from lymphoid and/or inflamed tissues into the circulation, rather than inhibiting trafficking in the reverse direction. Baseline BLyS and anti–double‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibody concentrations were statistically identifiable covariates of memory B‐cell response, although their impact on predicting size and response duration was small.
Mechanistic modeling of ophthalmic, nasal, injectable, and implant generic drug products: A workshop summary report
Authors: Tan Ming‐Liang , Chandran Sajeev , Jereb Rebeka , Alam Khondoker , Bies Robert , Kozak Darby , Walenga Ross , Le Merdy Maxime , Babiskin Andrew 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFor approval, a proposed generic drug product must demonstrate it is bioequivalent (BE) to the reference listed drug product. For locally acting drug products, conventional BE approaches may not be feasible because measurements in local tissues at the sites of action are often impractical, unethical, or cost‐prohibitive. Mechanistic modeling approaches, such as physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, may integrate information from drug product properties and human physiology to predict drug concentrations in these local tissues. This may allow clinical relevance determination of critical drug product attributes for BE assessment during the development of generic drug products. In this regard, the Office of Generic Drugs of the US Food and Drug Administration has recently established scientific research programs to accelerate the development and assessment of generic products by utilizing model‐integrated alternative BE approaches. This report summarizes the presentations and panel discussion from a public workshop that provided research updates and information on the current state of the use of PBPK modeling approaches to support generic product development for ophthalmic, injectable, nasal, and implant drug products.
A novel dynamic proteomics approach for the measurement of broiler chicken protein fractional synthesis rate
Authors: Peinado‐Izaguerri Jorge , Zarzuela Eduardo , McLaughlin Mark , Small Alexandra C. , Riva Francesca , McKeegan Dorothy E. F. , Bain Maureen , Muñoz Javier , Bhide Mangesh , Preston Tom 
Published: March 2023

RationaleThe study of protein synthesis in farm animals is uncommon despite its potential to increase knowledge about metabolism and discover new biomarkers of health and growth status. The present study describes a novel dynamic proteomics approach for the measurement of protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in broiler chickens.MethodsChickens received a 10 g/kg oral dose of 2H2O at day 21 of their life. Body water 2H abundance was measured in plasma samples using a portable Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Free and protein‐bound amino acids (AAs) were isolated and had their 2H enrichment measured by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Peptide 2H enrichment was measured by proteomics analysis of plasma and muscle samples. Albumin, fibrinogen and muscle protein FSR were calculated from GC/MS and proteomics data.ResultsAla appeared to be more enriched at the site of protein synthesis than in the AA free pools. Glu was found to be the AA closest to isotopic equilibrium between the different AA pools. Glu was used as an anchor to calculate n(AA) values necessary for chicken protein FSR calculation in dynamic proteomics studies. FSR values calculated using proteomics data and GC/MS data showed good agreement as evidenced by a Bland–Altman residual plot.ConclusionsA new dynamic proteomics approach for the measurement of broiler chicken individual protein FSR based on the administration of a single 2H2O oral bolus has been developed and validated. The proposed approach could facilitate new immunological and nutritional studies on free‐living animals.
Improving human development through urbanization, demographic dividend and biomass energy consumption
Authors: Nguea Stéphane Mbiankeu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe policy debate on the effects of urbanization, demographic dividend and biomass energy consumption on human development in Africa has long suffered from a scarcity of empirical evidence. This study, therefore, explores the relationship between urbanization, demographic dividend, biomass energy consumption and human development (measured by the human development index, human capital, life expectancy and infant mortality) in 33 African countries between 1990 and 2019. We employ Driscoll‐Kraay, instrumental variable and the panel quantile regression methods. We find that an increase in urbanization, demographic dividend and biomass energy consumption leads to a higher level of human development. Accounting for different facets of human development such as education (human capital) and health (life expectancy and infant mortality), the results show that urbanization and biomass energy consumption improve education and health. The results also show that while demographic dividend improves education and infant mortality, its effect on life expectancy is negative and significant. These findings are robust for reliable and consistent policy directives.
A Metabolic Driven Bio‐Responsive Hydrogel Loading Psoralen for Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Kexin , Yin Chuanhui , Ye Xiangmin , Chen Quanlin , Wu Jie , Chen Yupeng , Li Yi , Wang Jun , Duan Chuanzhi , Lu Aiping , Guan Daogang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOverexpressed matrix metalloproteinases, hypoxia microenvironment, and metabolic abnormality are important pathological signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Designing a delivery carrier according to the pathological characteristics of RA that can control drug release in response to disease severity may be a promising treatment strategy. Psoralen is the main active ingredient isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. and possesses excellent anti‐inflammatory activities as well as improving bone homeostasis. However, the specific underlying mechanisms, particularly the possible relationships between the anti‐RA effects of psoralen and related metabolic network, remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, psoralen shows systemic side effects and has unsatisfactory solubility. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a novel delivery system to maximize psoralen's therapeutic effect. In this study, a self‐assembled degradable hydrogel platform is developed that delivers psoralen and calcium peroxide to arthritic joints and controls the release of psoralen and oxygen according to inflammatory stimulation, to regulate homeostasis and the metabolic disorder of the anoxic arthritic microenvironment. Therefore, the hydrogel drug delivery system based on the responsiveness of the inflammatory microenvironment and regulation of metabolism provides a new therapeutic strategy for RA treatment.
Bi‐Functional Co/Al Modified 1T‐MoS2/rGO Catalyst for Enhanced Uranium Extraction and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Seawater
Authors: Jian Jiahuang , Kang Hongjun , Yu Dongmei , Qiao Xianshu , Liu Yang , Li Yang , Qin Wei , Wu Xiaohong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUranium is a key element in the preparation of nuclear fuel. An electrochemical uranium extraction technique is proposed to achieve high efficiency uranium extraction performance through HER catalyst. However, it is still a challenge to design and develop a high‐performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst for rapid extraction and recovery of uranium from seawater. Herein, a bi‐functional Co, Al modified 1T‐MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (CA‐1T‐MoS2/rGO) catalyst, showing a good HER performance with a HER overpotential of 466 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in simulated seawater, is first developed. Benefiting from the high HER performance of CA‐1T‐MoS2/rGO, efficient uranium extraction is achieved with a uranium extraction capacity of 1990 mg g−1 in simulated seawater without post‐treatment, exhibiting a good reusability. The results of experiments and density functional theory (DFT) show that a high uranium extraction and recovery capability is attributed to the synergy effect of the improved HER performance and the strong adsorption capacity between U and OH*. This work provides a new strategy for the design and preparation of bi‐functional catalysts with high HER performance and uranium extraction and recovery capabilities in seawater.
Double‐Shelled Porous g‐C3N4 Nanotubes Modified with Amorphous Cu‐Doped FeOOH Nanoclusters as 0D/3D Non‐Homogeneous Photo‐Fenton Catalysts for Effective Removal of Organic Dyes
Authors: Tang Jing , Xu Rongping , Sui Guozhe , Guo Dongxuan , Zhao Zhenlong , Fu Shanshan , Yang Xue , Li Yue , Li Jinlong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGraphite phased carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has attracted extensive attention attributed to its non‐toxic nature, remarkable physical–chemical stability, and visible light response properties. Nevertheless, the pristine g‐C3N4 suffers from the rapid photogenerated carrier recombination and unfavorable specific surface area, which greatly limit its catalytic performance. Herein, 0D/3D Cu‐FeOOH/TCN composites are constructed as photo‐Fenton catalysts by assembling amorphous Cu‐FeOOH clusters on 3D double‐shelled porous tubular g‐C3N4 (TCN) fabricated through one‐step calcination. Combined density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the synergistic effect between Cu and Fe species could facilitate the adsorption and activation of H2O2, and the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges effectively. Thus, Cu‐FeOOH/TCN composites acquire a high removal efficiency of 97.8%, the mineralization rate of 85.5% and a first‐order rate constant k = 0.0507 min−1 for methyl orange (MO) (40 mg L−1) in photo‐Fenton reaction system, which is nearly 10 times and 21 times higher than those of FeOOH/TCN (k = 0.0047 min−1) and TCN (k = 0.0024 min−1), respectively, indicating its universal applicability and desirable cyclic stability. Overall, this work furnishes a novel strategy for developing heterogeneous photo‐Fenton catalysts based on g‐C3N4 nanotubes for practical wastewater treatment.
Improved Crystallization of Lead Halide Perovskite in Two‐Step Growth Method by Polymer‐Assisted “Slow‐Release Effect”
Authors: Lin Siyuan , Wu Shuyue , Guo De'en , Huang Han , Zhou Xuefan , Zhang Dou , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Wenhao , Hu Yue , Gao Yongli , Zhou Conghua 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFast reaction between organic salt and lead iodide always leads to small perovskite crystallites and concentrated defects. Here, polyacrylic acid is blended with organic salt, so as to regulate the crystallization in a two‐step growth method. It is observed that addition of polyacrylic acid retards aggregation and crystallization behavior of the organic salt, and slows down the reaction rate between organic salt and PbI2, by which “slow‐release effect” is defined. Such effect improves crystallization of perovskite. X‐ray diffraction study shows that, after addition of 2 mm polyacrylic acid, average crystallite size of perovskite increases from ≈40 to ≈90 nm, meanwhile, grain size increases. Thermal admittance spectroscopy study shows that trap density is reduced by nearly one order (especially for deep energy levels). Due to the improved crystallization and reduced trap density, charge recombination is obviously reduced, while lifetime of charge carriers in perovskite film and devices are prolonged, according to time‐resolved photoluminescence and transient photo‐voltage decay curve tests, respectively. Accordingly, power conversion efficiency of the device is promoted from 19.96 (±0.41)% to 21.84 (±0.25)% (with a champion efficiency of 22.31%), and further elevated to 24.19% after surface modification by octylammonium iodide.
Experimental and numerical study of recycled aggregate concrete column
Authors: Pradhan Subhasis , Nayak Tusar Kumar , Kumar Shailendra , Barai Sudhirkumar V. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe improved mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) by employing the particle packing method (PPM) of the mix design approach encourages its application to study the performance of structural members. The experimental investigation is conducted on the axial compressive behavior of reinforced natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and RAC columns using two different tie spacing conditions. A reduction of 18% in the axial load of RAC columns is observed with respect to the NAC columns and only 2.7% improvement in axial load is recorded as the tie spacing reduces by 22.5%. Subsequently, the finite element (FE) analysis is conducted to investigate the axial compressive strength of both NAC and RAC columns using different tie spacing conditions. The FE analyses of RAC columns with different tie spacing support to modify the spacing of transverse reinforcement as half as that of the spacing specified in the prevailing design for NAC columns.
Scale effects in GFRP‐bar reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Accornero Federico , Cafarelli Renato , Carpinteri Alberto , Nanni Antonio 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP)‐reinforced concrete (RC) can be defined as a cementitious material in which the reinforcing secondary phase consists in corrosion‐resistant GFRP rebars. For this next‐generation structural material, experimental flexural tests highlight how the postcracking response is strongly affected by the amount of GFRP area together with the structural size‐scale. In this work, the cohesive/overlapping crack model (COCM) is adopted to describe the transition between cracking and crushing failures occurring in GFRP‐RC beams by increasing the beam depth, the reinforcement percentage, and/or the concrete compression strength. Within this nonlinear fracture mechanics model, the tensile and compression ultimate behaviors of the concrete matrix are modeled through two different process zones that advance independently one of another. Moreover, this model is able to investigate local mechanical instabilities occurring in the structural behavior of GFRP‐RC beams: tensile snap back and snap‐through, which are due to concrete cracking and reinforcement bridging action, and the compression snap‐back generated by the unstable growth of the crushing zone. In this context, the application of the COCM highlights that the ductility, which is represented by the plastic rotation capacity of the GFRP‐RC beam only when the reinforcement can slip, decreases as reinforcement percentage and/or beam depth increase. In this way, rational and quantitative definitions of hyperstrength and brittle compression crushing behaviors can be provided as a GFRP percentage depending on the beam depth.
State‐of‐the‐art review on the post‐fire assessment of concrete structures
Authors: Jovanović Balša , Caspeele Robby , Lombaert Geert , Reynders Edwin , Van Coile Ruben 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFires are rare events, but in the case of their occurrence, they can have a significant effect on the structure. Concrete is a durable noncombustible material but can be damaged by fire. This damage does not often lead to structural collapse, but can significantly hinder the structure's future performance. A thorough post‐fire assessment of concrete structures is essential to determine the condition of the structure and select the best course of action to take. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on the post‐fire assessment of concrete structures. The techniques that are commonly used are presented and discussed, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, based on the literature case studies, an overview of different approaches and techniques is presented. Finally, the framework and goals of the post‐fire assessment are investigated. The paper concludes with a summary of the current state of knowledge and a list of key research needs.
Leachate characteristics, dry matter yield of Urochloa decumbens and properties of two contrasting soils irrigated with sludgewater in columns
Authors: Dube Sinikiwe , Muchaonyerwa Pardon , Mapanda Farai , Hughes Jeffrey C. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIncreasing demands on freshwater and challenges in disposal of wastewaters encourage their use for irrigation. The study evaluated the effects of irrigation of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) with sludgewater on leaching, uptake and retention of a range of elements in two contrasting soils in columns. The grass was grown on a sandy loam and a clay soil packed in plastic columns and irrigated for 119 days with either undiluted, diluted sludgewater or tap water. The sludgewater had a pH of 6.9 and high aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and boron (B). Analyses were conducted on leachates, above‐ground plant biomass (two harvests), and soils at the end of the experiment. Sludgewater treatments increased grass biomass yield and uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) in both soils with a greater nutrient uptake from the clay than the sandy loam. The application of sludgewater increased Mn and reduced P (sandy loam only) in the leachate with no effects on Al, Fe, or B. Uptake of Al, Fe, and B was increased by sludgewater application. Even when diluted, the sludgewater increased extractable Mn, particularly in the clay soil. The findings showed that irrigation of the soils with sludgewater increased Mn and B concentrations and uptake by signal grass, with no negative effects on biomass production. Leaching and accumulation in the soils of toxic elements were minimal in the short term. Sludgewater can therefore be used to grow signal grass in both soils although these effects need to be evaluated under field conditions.
Well‐differentiated hepatic carcinoid in a dog: Long‐term survival following partial hepatectomy
Authors: Bellamy Edward , Bestwick Jason , Palma Stefano Di , Ressel Lorenzo , Verganti Sara 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old, female, spayed Shetland sheepdog was referred for a 48‐hour onset of lethargy, inappetence, pigmenturia and intra‐abdominal mass of unknown origin. Laboratory sampling identified regenerative anaemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypercholesterolemia and elevated alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. Bilirubinuria and haematuria were noted on urinalysis. Thoracic radiographs were unremarkable. Ultrasonographic examination identified free abdominal fluid and a heterogeneous mass associated with a medial liver lobe. Haemoabdomen was confirmed, and partial hepatectomy was performed. Histopathology identified neoplastic cells arranged in nests and rosettes. On immunohistochemistry, neoplastic cells were positive for neuron‐specific enolase and synaptophysin and negative for S100, chromogranin A and cytokeratin. Transmission electron microscopy revealed small round electrodense granules consistent with neuroendocrine granules. A final diagnosis of hepatic carcinoid was made. The dog received no adjuvant treatment. Re‐staging with conventional imaging was performed every 3 months. No local recurrence or metastatic disease was identified within a 21‐month follow‐up period.