bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of automatic bagasse feeding on the performance of a modified jaggery plant
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Mahesh 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe lack of automation in jaggery making plants causes high‐fuel (bagasse) requirement and low‐thermal efficiency, which results in high‐running cost and limited profit to the stakeholders. Though, number of researches have been conducted for improving heat utilization in the plant, but still fuel consumption and running cost are very high. In present research work, the bagasse consumption and unit cost of jaggery production of an existing modified plant having manual bagasse feeding (MP‐MBF) are attempted to reduce by fabricating a similar modified plant having automatic bagasse feeding (ABF). A working model of modified two‐pan jaggery plant with automatic bagasse feeding (MP‐ABF) has been fabricated, tested, and analyzed. The implementation of ABF has reduced the bagasse consumption to 0.60 kg/min, which is 7.7% less than that of MP‐MBF without affecting jaggery production rate of 0.42 kg/min. The unit cost of jaggery production of MP‐ABF is $0.35 per kg, which is 2.8% lower than that of MP‐MBF. The thermal efficiency evaluated for MP‐ABF is 50.28%, which is 18.8% higher than that of MP‐MBF. This would also increase the profitability to the investors by $ 438.41 per annum and make the modified plant more fuel self‐sustainable.Practical ApplicationsThe bagasse feeding in traditional and modified plants is manual, because of which its supply is non‐uniform and higher than its requirement. These drawbacks can be overcome by maintaining uniform and optimum feeding of bagasse with the help of automatic bagasse feeder. The implementation of ABF would reduce the bagasse consumption to its optimum level and also eliminate the requirement of labor for this purpose. The investment involved in the implementation of ABF system could be recovered, since it has the potential to reduce the running cost of the plant. The implementation of ABF may also improve the overall performance parameters of existing traditional and modified jaggery plants.
Formulation, characterization, and stability of food grade oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions of essential oils of Tasmannia lanceolata, Backhousia citriodora and Syzygium anisatum
Authors: Alderees Fahad , Akter Saleha , Mereddy Ram , Sultanbawa Yasmina 
Published: July 2022

AbstractOil‐in‐water nanoemulsions were formulated using sunflower oil mixed with each of the essential oils of Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian pepper leaf [TPL]), Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle [LM]) and Syzygium anisatum (anise myrtle [AM]) and stabilized with Tween 80 using ultrasonication. An oil‐surfactant ratio of 3:1 was found to produce the lowest emulsion droplet sizes of 96.6 nm for LM, 122.2 nm for AM and 131.8 nm for TPL. Increase in surfactant concentration above 10r resulted in larger droplet sizes, 165.8–2,647.2 nm for LM (radius, r = .82), 153.7–2,573.5 nm for AM (r = .93) and 157.4–2,621.6 nm for TPL (r = .83). Sonication for 3 min produced smaller droplet size; however, sonication for 9 min resulted in increase of droplet size by 1.48, 1.43 and 1.47 times for oils of LM (r = .82), AM (r = .93) and TPL (r = .83), respectively. A positive correlation was found between sonication amplitude (20–50%) and droplet size for nanoemulsions of LM (r = .93), AM (r = .98) and TPL (r = .95). TPL and LM nanoemulsions showed broad‐ spectrum antimicrobial activities against yeasts and bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against weak‐acid resistant yeasts were between 0.001–0.003 and 0.002–0.007 mg/ml for nanoemulsion of TPL and between 0.003–0.014 mg/ml and 0.005–0.027 for nanoemulsion of LM, respectively. The stability and antimicrobial activity of TPL and LM essential oil nanoemulsions confirm their potential for application as food preservatives especially in beverage products that are commonly spoiled by weak‐acid resistant yeasts.
Early readmissions of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the USA: Insights into an emerging challenge
Authors: Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Sanaka Madhusudhan R , Kichloo Asim , Singh Amandeep , Wachala Jennifer , Perisetti Abhilash , Goyal Hemant , Garg Rajat , Shaka Hafeez , Pisipati Sailaja , Inamdar Sumant , Al‐Haddad Mohammad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and AimEarly readmissions of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are often associated with poor outcomes. We compared characteristics and outcomes for index and 30‐day readmissions of SBP in the USA.MethodsWe analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2018 to identify all adult (≥ 18 years) 30‐day readmissions of SBP in the USA. Hospitalization characteristics and outcomes for index and 30‐day readmissions of SBP were compared. Independent predictors of 30‐day readmissions were also identified.ResultsIn 2018, of the 5,797 index admissions for SBP, 30% (1726) were readmitted within 30 day. At the time of readmission, the most common admitting diagnosis was alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver with ascites (11.8%) followed by sepsis due to an unspecified organism (9.2%). SBP as an admitting diagnosis was identified for only 8.3% of these 30‐day readmissions. Compared with index admissions, 30‐day readmissions of SBP had a lower mean age (56.1 vs 58.6 years, P < 0.001) without a statistically significant difference for gender. Furthermore, 30‐day readmissions of SBP were associated with significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality (10% vs 4.9%, OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.66–2.79, P < 0.001), and mean total hospital charge ($85,031 vs $56,000, mean difference: 29,032, 95% CI: 12,867–45,197, P < 0.001) compared with index admissions. The presence of chronic pulmonary disease, liver failure, inpatient dialysis, and discharge against medical advice were identified as independent predictors for increased 30‐day readmissions of SBP.ConclusionThe 30‐day readmission rate of SBP was 30% and these readmissions were associated with higher odds of inpatient mortality compared with index admissions.
A switch from tenofovir to entecavir prior to hepatitis B treatment cessation is associated with a reduced risk of off‐therapy relapse: An observational study
Authors: Peng Chien‐Wei , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Yang Hwai‐I , Liu Yen‐Chun , Chien Rong‐Nan , Liaw Yun‐Fan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and AimIn HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, clinical relapse (CR) occurs more frequently, much earlier and often more severely after stopping tenofovir (TDF) and other nucleos(t)ide analogues (Nucs) than after stopping entecavir (ETV). It is unknown whether off‐Nuc hepatitis flare can be alleviated by switching from one Nuc to another.MethodsHBeAg‐negative CHB patients who had stopped Nuc according to the APASL stopping rule and had been followed‐up for > 48 weeks after Nuc cessation were recruited. Patients were classified as four groups: ETV monotherapy (mono‐ETV), TDF monotherapy (mono‐TDF), switched to ETV (switch‐ETV), and switched to TDF (switch‐TDF). Both switch groups had switched to the replacement Nuc > 12 weeks prior to end of therapy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize confounders among groups. Cox regression analysis was used to identify risks factors for off‐Nuc CR and flares.ResultsA total of 1309 patients (1022 mono‐ETV, 219 mono‐TDF, 40 switch‐ETV and 28 switch‐TDF) were enrolled. The median time to CR was 39, 13, 38 and 14 weeks in mono‐ETV, mono‐TDF, switch‐ETV and switch‐TDF respectively (P < 0.001). After PSM, the mono‐ETV (adjusted HR: 0.39, P < 0.001) and switch‐ETV patients (adjusted HR: 0.41, P = 0.003) had both significantly later occurrence and lower rates of CR and flare.ConclusionIn summary, the incidence and timing of CR was determined by ETV or TDF in the last 3 months prior to end of treatment. Patients treated with non‐ETV‐Nuc switched to ETV > 12 weeks before end of the original Nuc therapy may reduce/defer CR.
The usefulness of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation before metal stent placement in unresectable malignant hilar obstruction
Authors: Oh Dongwook , Chong Junyong , Song Tae Jun , Park Do Hyun , Lee Sang Soo , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung Koo , Kim Myung‐Hwan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and AimEB‐RFA with self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) may improve the stent patency and patient survival in malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction. However, there are few studies on the role of EB‐RFA for malignant hilar obstruction (MHO). This study aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of EB‐RFA for MHO.MethodsWe retrospectively compared the stent patency and survival among 79 consecutive patients with MHO who underwent bilateral uncovered SEMS placement without and with EB‐RFA between April 2016 and January 2020.ResultsFifty‐one patients (64.6%) underwent SEMS placement alone (stent alone group), whereas 28 (35.4%) underwent SEMS placement after EB‐RFA (RFA‐stent group). All procedures were successful (100%). During follow‐up, stent occlusion occurred in 59 patients (74.7%), of which 40 (78.4%) and 19 (67.9%) were in the stent alone and RFA‐stent groups, respectively. There was no difference in stent patency (192 ± 39.2 days vs 140 ± 53.7 days, P = 0.41) and survival (311 ± 24.7 days vs 311 ± 46.9 days, P = 0.73) between the stent alone and RFA‐stent groups. Multivariate cox analysis showed a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.892 (1.579–5.294, P = 0.001) for stent occlusion in patients who did not receive chemotherapy. EB‐RFA had no significant effect on stent occlusion (HR, 1.150, 0.644–2.053, P = 0.636).ConclusionsSEMS placement after EB‐RFA in MHO was not associated with improvement in the stent patency or patient survival. Further prospective randomized studies are necessary to establish the effectiveness of EB‐RFA with stents in MHO.
Predictors of ICU admission associated with gastrointestinal endoscopy in medical inpatients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sankar Ashwin , Ladha Karim S , Grover Samir C , Jogendran Rohit , Tamming Daniel , Razak Fahad , Verma Amol A 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and AimGastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures are commonly performed in medical inpatients. Limited prior research has examined factors associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission after GI endoscopy in medical inpatients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted using routinely‐collected clinical and administrative data from all general medicine hospitalizations at five academic hospitals in Toronto, Canada between 2010 and 2020. We describe ICU admission and death within 48 h of GI endoscopy in medical inpatients. We examined adjusted associations of patient and procedural factors with ICU admission or death using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 18 290 medical inpatients who underwent endoscopy, 900 (4.9%) required ICU admission or died within 48 h of endoscopy. Following risk adjustment, ICU admission or death were associated with the following procedural factors: endoscopy on the day of hospital admission (aOR 3.16 [2.38–4.21]) or 1 day after admission (aOR 1.92 [1.51–2.44]) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedures; and the following patient factors: Charlson comorbidity index of two (aOR 1.38 [1.05–1.81]) or three or greater (aOR 1.84 [1.47–2.29]), older age, male sex, lower hemoglobin prior to endoscopy, increased creatinine prior to endoscopy, an admitting diagnosis of liver disease and certain medications (antiplatelet agents and corticosteroids).ConclusionsICU admission or death after endoscopy was associated with procedural factors such as EGD and timing of endoscopy, and patient factors indicative of acute illness and greater comorbidity. These findings can contribute to improved triage and monitoring for patients requiring inpatient endoscopy.
Trace‐element heterogeneity in rutile linked to dislocation structures: Implications for Zr‐in‐rutile geothermometry
Authors: Verberne Rick , van Schrojenstein Lantman Hugo W. , Reddy Steven M. , Alvaro Matteo , Wallis David , Fougerouse Denis , Langone Antonio , Saxey David W. , Rickard William D. A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe trace‐element composition of rutile is commonly used to constrain P–T–t conditions for a wide range of metamorphic systems. However, recent studies have demonstrated the redistribution of trace elements in rutile via high‐diffusivity pathways and dislocation‐impurity associations related to the formation and evolution of microstructures. Here, we investigate trace‐element migration in low‐angle boundaries formed by dislocation creep in rutile within an omphacite vein of the Lago di Cignana unit (Western Alps, Italy). Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry and inclusions of quartz in rutile and of coesite in omphacite constrain the conditions of rutile deformation to around the prograde boundary from high pressure to ultra‐high pressure (~2.7 GPa) at temperatures of 500–565°C. Crystal‐plastic deformation of a large rutile grain results in low‐angle boundaries that generate a total misorientation of ~25°. Dislocations constituting one of these low‐angle boundaries are enriched in common and uncommon trace elements, including Fe and Ca, providing evidence for the diffusion and trapping of trace elements along the dislocation cores. The role of dislocation microstructures as fast‐diffusion pathways must be evaluated when applying high‐resolution analytical procedures as compositional disturbances might lead to erroneous interpretations for Ca and Fe. In contrast, our results indicate a trapping mechanism for Zr.
Subthalamic nucleus exclusively evokes dopamine release in the tail of the striatum
Authors: Todd Kathryn L. , Lipski Janusz , Freestone Peter S. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractA distinct population of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars lateralis (SNL) has a unique projection to the most caudolateral (tail) region of the striatum. Here, using two electrochemical techniques to measure basal dopamine and electrically evoked dopamine release in anesthetized rats, we characterized this pathway, and compared it with the ‘classic’ nigrostriatal pathway from neighboring substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine neurons to the dorsolateral striatum. We found that the tail striatum constitutes a distinct dopamine domain compared with the dorsolateral striatum, with consistently lower basal and evoked dopamine, and diverse dopamine release kinetics. Importantly, electrical stimulation of the SNL and SNc evoked dopamine release in entirely separate striatal regions; the tail and dorsolateral striatum, respectively. Furthermore, we showed that stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) evoked dopamine release exclusively in the tail striatum, likely via the SNL, consistent with previous anatomical evidence of STN afferents to SNL dopamine neurons. Our work identifies the STN as an important modulator of dopamine release in a novel dopamine pathway to the tail striatum, largely independent of the classic nigrostriatal pathway, which necessitates a revision of the basal ganglia circuitry with the STN positioned as a central integrator of striatal information.image
Metronomic chemotherapy in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Arrivi Giulia , Spada Francesca , Frassoni Samuele , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Laffi Alice , Rubino Manila , Gervaso Lorenzo , Fazio Nicola 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are more commonly slow‐growing, therefore patients often receive chronic systemic therapies for tumor growth control and preservation of quality of life. Metronomic chemotherapy (mCT) is in line with this goal as it leads to stabilization of tumor growth over time without severe systemic toxicity. This is a retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic NETs receiving metronomic capecitabine (mCAP) or temozolomide (mTEM), at a NET‐referral center. The aims of the study were to explore activity and safety of mCT and relationships between some characteristics of the patient population and clinical outcomes. Among a total of 67 patients with metastatic well or moderately differentiated (W/M‐D) NETs, mostly gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and nonfunctioning, 1.2 years (95% CI: 0.8–1.8) median progression‐free survival (mPFS), and 3.0 years (95% CI: 2.3–4.9) median overall survival (mOS) were observed. Disease control rate was 85%. Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 15% of patients in mCAP and 13% in mTEM, and were mostly hematological and gastrointestinal. At univariate and multivariate analysis none of the variables analyzed (treatment regimen, sex, age at diagnosis, site of primary tumor and metastases, number of previous mCT lines, baseline tumor status before mCT, Ki67 value) were significantly correlated to OS and PFS. Our retrospective study suggested that mCAP and mTEM can be active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic W/M‐D NETs, irrespective of the primary site, site of metastases, line of treatment and baseline tumor status.
Protection of hair color with pomegranate peel extract‐loaded liposomal formulation: Preparation, characterization, and ex‐vivo activity studies
Authors: Tuncay Tanriverdi Sakine , Gokce Evren Homan , Filiz Simtac Bengi , Kose Fadime Aydin , Ozer Ozgen 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundPomegranate peel extract is known as a powerful antioxidant and due to preventing oxidation, it can reduce color change of dyed hair after washing. Liposomes are vesicular systems that include lipids and can form a film on hair fibers. Delivery system and active agent have a synergistic effect on protecting hair color and reducing dyeing frequency.AimsThis study aimed to prepare liposomes suspension as an innovative formulation of pomegranate peel extract to reduce hair color changing.MethodsPomegranate peel extract‐loaded liposomes were prepared with lipidic film hydration method. The characterizations of formulations (F1 and F2) were defined by several parameters. The pH, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, microscopical image, loading capacity (LC), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of formulations were determined. The antioxidant capacity of formulations and actives were tested. The effect of formulations on hair color change was shown with ex‐vivo studies.ResultsThe results showed that cholesterol influenced particle size, zeta potential, and antioxidant capacity. The particle sizes of formulations were 217.71 ± 6.74 nm and 577.5 ± 1.41 nm for F1 and F2, respectively. F2 formulation had better results for zeta potential (33.8 mV) while F1 was neutral. Morphologic images confirmed vesicular structure or liposomes. The EE was found higher for F2 than F1 (F1: 57.14 and F2: 78.69). Antioxidant studies confirmed that active substance and the vesicular system had a synergistic effect on protection from oxidation. Selected formulation reduced hair color change as shown in ex‐vivo tests.ConclusionPomegranate peel extract‐loaded liposomes were designed for hair color protection. It was shown with this study that prepared formulations have a good color protection on hair fibers due to antioxidant properties of pomegranate peel extract and film forming effect of liposomal formulations. According to results, prepared liposomal formulations may serve as a good alternative for reducing dyeing frequency and protecting hair fibers.
Pro‐inflammatory versus anti‐inflammatory cytokines in psoriatic patients (case–control study)
Authors: Elbana Amaal Mohamed , Elgamal Emadeldin , Hashim Osama , Emran Tarek Mostafa , Alkhrsawy Amr Abdelhady 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis (PsO) is a systemic autoimmune disease. Many pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with the pathogenetic process of psoriasis. IL‐35 act as an anti‐inflammatory cytokine through downregulation of TH‐17 cell development and cytokine production. So, IL‐35 might be utilized as potential future therapeutic agent for psoriasis.AimsTo investigate the association between inflammatory (IL‐17, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ) and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐35, TGF‐β) in psoriasis patients.Patients and MethodsA case–control study enrolled two groups: (Group I: 40 patients with psoriasis) and (Group II: 40 healthy age and sex‐matched subjects). Full history was taken from all cases along with full dermatologic examination. The assessment of psoriasis severity was conducted by using PASI score. Assessment of inflammatory (IL‐17, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ) and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐35, TGF‐β) was performed by using ELISA technique.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase of mean level of TNF‐α, IL‐17, and IFN‐γ among psoriasis cases in comparison with controls. The mean level of TGF‐β and IL‐35 was statistically significantly reduced among the psoriasis cases in comparison with controls. TNF‐α, IL‐17, and IFN‐γ showed a significant strong positive association in between and statistically significant strong negative relationship with IL‐35 and TGF‐β.ConclusionIL‐35 has a significant role in the pathogenetic process of PsO, and it serves as a potential future therapeutic agent for psoriasis. The current results could be used as a clue for the utilization of inflammatory (IL‐17, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ) versus anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐35, TGF‐β) in psoriasis patients as a diagnostic biomarker for severity of cases with psoriasis.
NOT SO “HAPPY BUMP”: A complication due to hyaluronic acid
Authors: de Almeida Balassiano Laila Klotz , Cavallieri Fernanda A. , Munhoz Gabriela , Tembra Maria Fernanda , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe use of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a dermal filler is considered safe. However, as new brands come to the market, reports of adverse events are becoming more and more common.ObjectiveTo describe a particular type of adverse effect that, unlike the erythematous, indurated, and painful nodules described in the literature as “angry red bumps,” is characterized by noninflammatory, stony‐like nodules that appear in sites previously treated with HA.MethodsThe report of four patients who presented this complication, and the occurrence of two HA syringes from the same batch that had hardened the product inside at the time of filling.ConclusionThe authors propose the nomenclature “happy bump” to group adverse reactions to HA that translate into noninflammatory nodules, with a stony consistency, appearing up to 4 weeks (recent) or after one month (late) in sites previously treated with AH.