cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073570.v1
title: Refractive and visual outcomes after Ferrara corneal ring segment implantation at a 60% depth in keratoconic eyes: case series

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: This report addresses refractive, topographic, visual acuity, and optical coherence tomography outcomes 12 months after femtosecond, laser-assisted insertion of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconic eyes at a depth of 60%. Methods: Interventional, prospective, non-comparative case series. We performed femtosecond, laser-assisted insertion of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments in 15 keratoconic eyes. We included patients with documented keratoconus who voluntarily signed informed consents if they had best spectacle-corrected visual acuity ≥0.30 logMAR and corneal thickness ≥400 μm. We excluded patients with previous ocular surgery or corneal curvatures &gt;65 diopters (D). Our main outcome measures were best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and corneal topographic parameters (flattest, steepest and average keratometry [K]), evaluated at baseline and at 1-,3-,6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Results: The mean ± standard deviation baseline uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were 1.03 ± 0.46 and 0.42 ± 0.13, respectively; the 12-month mean standard deviation uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were 0.72 ± 0.37 and 0.31 ± 0.16, respectively, without significant differences (p=0.05 for both). The mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improvements were statistically significant after 3- (p=0.02) and after 6-months (p=0.02). The mean baseline flattest (K1), steepest (K2), and overall keratometries (mean power) were 48.35 ± 3.65 D, 53.67 ± 3.38 D, and 50.84 ± 3.36 D, respectively. The 12-month mean ± standard deviations for flattest-K1, steepest-K2, and overall K were 46.53 ± 3.70 D, 49.83 ± 3.50 D, and 48.12 ± 3.49 D respectively, with statistically significant differences for all three topographic parameters (p=0.01). Conclusions: Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment insertions at a depth of 60% yield satisfactory visual, refractive, and keratometric results in keratoconic eyes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073552
title: Transmissive to Dark Electrochromic and Fluorescent Device Based on Poly(fluorene-bisthiophene) Derivative

description: Films of a poly(fluorene-bisthiophene) derivative, named PFBT, were electrodeposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and their electrochromic and fluorescence properties were investigated. Such films displayed color variation from yellow, in the neutral state, to green, in the oxidized state, as shown by tracking of the CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) 1931 xy chromaticity coordinates. PFBT films are fluorescent in the neutral state (E = 0.0 V vs. Ag/Ag+) with emission at 532 nm; however, upon oxidation at 0.85 V the photoluminescence intensity is significantly decreased. A solid-state electrochromic device was assembled using PFBT and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) films and a polymer electrolyte. The device presented color variation from transmissive greenish-yellow to blue and reversible fluorescent properties upon switching between -1.5 to 1.5 V vs. PEDOT. Thus, the high contrast and stability both in electrochromism and electrofluorescence of the PFBT film and its device make them suitable for application in multifunctional optical devices.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073549
title: Silica/Titania Graphite Composite Modified with Chitosan and Tyrosinase Employed as a Sensitive Biosensor for Phenolic Compounds

description: A mesoporous, high surface area and conductive silica/titania graphite composite modified with chitosan and functionalized with tyrosinase was prepared. The composite was obtained by the sol-gel method and the surface of the resultant material was modified with chitosan solutions containing 5, 10 and 15% by mass. The textural characterization showed that even after modification with chitosan, the composite maintains a pore volume near 0.70 cm3 g-1 and pore diameter between 10 and 50 nm, adequate for enzyme immobilization. The tyrosinase was immobilized on the composite that was modified with 5% chitosan solution. A carbon ceramic electrode was manufactured with this material and was used as an electrochemical biosensor for phenolic compounds, showing low detection limits in the linear range from 40 to 350 µmol L-1 and good sensitivity of 0.284, 0.141 and 0.165 µA µmol-1 L for catechol, dopamine and pyrogallol, respectively. In this composite the enzyme showed to be operative and stable after several months.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073552.v1
title: Transmissive to Dark Electrochromic and Fluorescent Device Based on Poly(fluorene-bisthiophene) Derivative

description: Films of a poly(fluorene-bisthiophene) derivative, named PFBT, were electrodeposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and their electrochromic and fluorescence properties were investigated. Such films displayed color variation from yellow, in the neutral state, to green, in the oxidized state, as shown by tracking of the CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) 1931 xy chromaticity coordinates. PFBT films are fluorescent in the neutral state (E = 0.0 V vs. Ag/Ag+) with emission at 532 nm; however, upon oxidation at 0.85 V the photoluminescence intensity is significantly decreased. A solid-state electrochromic device was assembled using PFBT and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) films and a polymer electrolyte. The device presented color variation from transmissive greenish-yellow to blue and reversible fluorescent properties upon switching between -1.5 to 1.5 V vs. PEDOT. Thus, the high contrast and stability both in electrochromism and electrofluorescence of the PFBT film and its device make them suitable for application in multifunctional optical devices.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073540
title: On-Flow Ligand Screening Assay Based on Immobilized Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase B from Homo sapiens

description: We describe an on-flow zonal affinity-based chromatography assay to screen ligands for the nucleoside diphosphate kinase B enzyme (NME2) from Homo sapiens. For the first time, we have covalently immobilized NME2 on the surface of an open fused silica capillary reactor (NME2-ICER) and placed the reactor before the analytical column, which resulted in a two-dimensional liquid chromatography-based system. We evaluated the pH effect on immobilized NME2 activity and carried out steady-state kinetic studies to compare free and immobilized NME2. Steady-state kinetic studies with the substrates adenosine 5’-triphosphate di(tris) salt dihydrate (ATP) and guanosine 5’-diphosphate sodium salt (GDP) resulted in apparent Michaelis-Menten constant values of 1136 and 713 mmol L-1, respectively. The ping-pong catalysis mechanism and substrate specificity were preserved after NME2 immobilization. By employing a reference inhibitor, (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), we verified the potential application of this method in NME2 ligand screening and NME2 inhibitor identification. The half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) for ECG was 161.3 ± 1.0 μmol L-1.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073540.v1
title: On-Flow Ligand Screening Assay Based on Immobilized Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase B from Homo sapiens

description: We describe an on-flow zonal affinity-based chromatography assay to screen ligands for the nucleoside diphosphate kinase B enzyme (NME2) from Homo sapiens. For the first time, we have covalently immobilized NME2 on the surface of an open fused silica capillary reactor (NME2-ICER) and placed the reactor before the analytical column, which resulted in a two-dimensional liquid chromatography-based system. We evaluated the pH effect on immobilized NME2 activity and carried out steady-state kinetic studies to compare free and immobilized NME2. Steady-state kinetic studies with the substrates adenosine 5’-triphosphate di(tris) salt dihydrate (ATP) and guanosine 5’-diphosphate sodium salt (GDP) resulted in apparent Michaelis-Menten constant values of 1136 and 713 mmol L-1, respectively. The ping-pong catalysis mechanism and substrate specificity were preserved after NME2 immobilization. By employing a reference inhibitor, (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), we verified the potential application of this method in NME2 ligand screening and NME2 inhibitor identification. The half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) for ECG was 161.3 ± 1.0 μmol L-1.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073549.v1
title: Silica/Titania Graphite Composite Modified with Chitosan and Tyrosinase Employed as a Sensitive Biosensor for Phenolic Compounds

description: A mesoporous, high surface area and conductive silica/titania graphite composite modified with chitosan and functionalized with tyrosinase was prepared. The composite was obtained by the sol-gel method and the surface of the resultant material was modified with chitosan solutions containing 5, 10 and 15% by mass. The textural characterization showed that even after modification with chitosan, the composite maintains a pore volume near 0.70 cm3 g-1 and pore diameter between 10 and 50 nm, adequate for enzyme immobilization. The tyrosinase was immobilized on the composite that was modified with 5% chitosan solution. A carbon ceramic electrode was manufactured with this material and was used as an electrochemical biosensor for phenolic compounds, showing low detection limits in the linear range from 40 to 350 µmol L-1 and good sensitivity of 0.284, 0.141 and 0.165 µA µmol-1 L for catechol, dopamine and pyrogallol, respectively. In this composite the enzyme showed to be operative and stable after several months.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073537
title: Effect of grape seed extract-containing phosphoric acid formulations on bonding to enamel and dentin

description: Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of 2% grape seed extract (GSE) containing phosphoric acid (PhA) on the bond strength to enamel and dentin. The control group was 37% PhA. The following three PhA formulations with 2% GSE and 20% ethanol were obtained: GSE5 = 5% PhA; GSE10 = 10% PhA; and GSE20 = 20% PhA. The enamel and dentin surfaces of molars were etched with the acid solutions, followed by Scotchbond Multi-Purpose adhesive and composite resin application. The tensile bond strength (TBS) test evaluated the bond to enamel after 24 h, and the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test evaluated the bond to dentin after 24 h and 12-month water storage. Etched enamel and dentin were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The TBS data were submitted to one-way ANOVA, while µTBS data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The TBS (MPa) to enamel did not significantly differ among the control (48.1 ± 15.7), GSE5 (46.1 ± 9.6), GSE10 (49.8 ± 13.6) and GSE20 (44.1 ± 11.9) groups (p = 0.537). The µTBS (MPa) to dentin of the control (28.4 ± 14.4) and GSE20 (24.1 ± 8.1) groups were significantly higher than those of the GSE5 (16.8 ± 7.4) and GSE10 (17.5 ± 6.6) groups at 24 h (p &lt; 0.006). After 12-month storage, only GSE5 (21.0 ± 7.8) and GSE10 (17.6 ± 8.0) did not show significantly decreased μTBS (p &gt; 0.145). SEM micrographs showed a shallower enamel etching pattern for GSE5. AFM images showed the formation of collagenous globular structures for GSE5 and GSE10. The different acid solutions did not influence the TBS to enamel, and the µTBS to dentin was stable over time when dentin was etched with GSE5 and GSE10.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073525
title: Sustainable production of furfural and 5-hidroximetilfurfural from rice husks and soybean peel by using ionic liquid

description: Abstract In the current search for renewable energy sources, residual biomass has been highlighted as a potential source of chemical compounds that are currently obtained from petroleum. Among the derivatives obtained from this, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural are considered key parts in this process as they are key compounds in the fine chemical industry. This work aims at the use of the rice husks and soybean peel for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural using the ionic liquid [BMIM][Br]. The physical pre-treatment of biomasses was carried out followed by acid hydrolysis. For the synthesis of the furanic compounds, different temperatures and reaction times were used. The products obtained in each step were analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry and by high performance liquid chromatography. The best yields for rice husks was obtained with 4 hours of reaction at 120 °C (34%) and for soy peel with 3 hours of reaction at 120 °C (59%), for furfural production. For 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production the yields were 8.7% and 3.4% for rice and soy husks, respectively. It was found that glucose was the main group related to bio-products obtaining.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073537.v1
title: Effect of grape seed extract-containing phosphoric acid formulations on bonding to enamel and dentin

description: Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of 2% grape seed extract (GSE) containing phosphoric acid (PhA) on the bond strength to enamel and dentin. The control group was 37% PhA. The following three PhA formulations with 2% GSE and 20% ethanol were obtained: GSE5 = 5% PhA; GSE10 = 10% PhA; and GSE20 = 20% PhA. The enamel and dentin surfaces of molars were etched with the acid solutions, followed by Scotchbond Multi-Purpose adhesive and composite resin application. The tensile bond strength (TBS) test evaluated the bond to enamel after 24 h, and the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test evaluated the bond to dentin after 24 h and 12-month water storage. Etched enamel and dentin were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The TBS data were submitted to one-way ANOVA, while µTBS data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The TBS (MPa) to enamel did not significantly differ among the control (48.1 ± 15.7), GSE5 (46.1 ± 9.6), GSE10 (49.8 ± 13.6) and GSE20 (44.1 ± 11.9) groups (p = 0.537). The µTBS (MPa) to dentin of the control (28.4 ± 14.4) and GSE20 (24.1 ± 8.1) groups were significantly higher than those of the GSE5 (16.8 ± 7.4) and GSE10 (17.5 ± 6.6) groups at 24 h (p &lt; 0.006). After 12-month storage, only GSE5 (21.0 ± 7.8) and GSE10 (17.6 ± 8.0) did not show significantly decreased μTBS (p &gt; 0.145). SEM micrographs showed a shallower enamel etching pattern for GSE5. AFM images showed the formation of collagenous globular structures for GSE5 and GSE10. The different acid solutions did not influence the TBS to enamel, and the µTBS to dentin was stable over time when dentin was etched with GSE5 and GSE10.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073525.v1
title: Sustainable production of furfural and 5-hidroximetilfurfural from rice husks and soybean peel by using ionic liquid

description: Abstract In the current search for renewable energy sources, residual biomass has been highlighted as a potential source of chemical compounds that are currently obtained from petroleum. Among the derivatives obtained from this, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural are considered key parts in this process as they are key compounds in the fine chemical industry. This work aims at the use of the rice husks and soybean peel for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural using the ionic liquid [BMIM][Br]. The physical pre-treatment of biomasses was carried out followed by acid hydrolysis. For the synthesis of the furanic compounds, different temperatures and reaction times were used. The products obtained in each step were analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry and by high performance liquid chromatography. The best yields for rice husks was obtained with 4 hours of reaction at 120 °C (34%) and for soy peel with 3 hours of reaction at 120 °C (59%), for furfural production. For 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production the yields were 8.7% and 3.4% for rice and soy husks, respectively. It was found that glucose was the main group related to bio-products obtaining.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073513
title: Association between MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility: a meta-analysis

description: The published data on the association between MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the impact of MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism on asthma susceptibility. PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were used to identify eligible studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the strength of association. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of individual studies on the estimates of overall effect, and funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. Eight publications with 1562 asthma patients and 1574 controls were finally identified. Overall, we found no significant association between MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility in any of the genetic model comparisons. After stratified analysis by ethnicity, the results showed that a significant association with asthma risk was found in Caucasians in all the genetic models. However, a protective association was found in Africans under the dominant model. The present meta-analysis suggested that the MCP-1 -2518 A&gt;G polymorphism is a risk factor for asthma in the Caucasian population, nevertheless it has a protective effect in the African population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073507
title: A Sustainable Methodology to Extract Bismuth from Secondary Sources

description: Bismuth is a critical metal broadly used in cosmetic, medicine and metallurgy. However, its scarcity in Earth’s crust may impair further applications. An alternative is to recover bismuth from secondary sources. In this work, a methodology to extract bismuth from safety valves of discharged gas cylinders is proposed. Extraction and purification of bismuth were carried out using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) prepared with poly(ethylene oxide) polymer or poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer (L35) and electrolytes (NaNO3, NH4NO3, sodium citrate or Na2SO4). The influence of iodide extractant concentration, tie-line length, electrolyte nature and polymer hydrophobicity on the bismuth extraction behavior were evaluated. Bismuth was significantly recovered in the absence of extractant, and its extraction depends on the ATPS composition, macromolecule and electrolyte nature. After three consecutive extractions bismuth was obtained with high purity (94.7%), resulting on a recovery of 38.5 g of bismuth per 1.00 kg of fusible plug, using L35 + NH4NO3 + H2O ATPS, without any extractant.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073507.v1
title: A Sustainable Methodology to Extract Bismuth from Secondary Sources

description: Bismuth is a critical metal broadly used in cosmetic, medicine and metallurgy. However, its scarcity in Earth’s crust may impair further applications. An alternative is to recover bismuth from secondary sources. In this work, a methodology to extract bismuth from safety valves of discharged gas cylinders is proposed. Extraction and purification of bismuth were carried out using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) prepared with poly(ethylene oxide) polymer or poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer (L35) and electrolytes (NaNO3, NH4NO3, sodium citrate or Na2SO4). The influence of iodide extractant concentration, tie-line length, electrolyte nature and polymer hydrophobicity on the bismuth extraction behavior were evaluated. Bismuth was significantly recovered in the absence of extractant, and its extraction depends on the ATPS composition, macromolecule and electrolyte nature. After three consecutive extractions bismuth was obtained with high purity (94.7%), resulting on a recovery of 38.5 g of bismuth per 1.00 kg of fusible plug, using L35 + NH4NO3 + H2O ATPS, without any extractant.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073513.v1
title: Association between MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility: a meta-analysis

description: The published data on the association between MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the impact of MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism on asthma susceptibility. PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were used to identify eligible studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the strength of association. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of individual studies on the estimates of overall effect, and funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. Eight publications with 1562 asthma patients and 1574 controls were finally identified. Overall, we found no significant association between MCP-1 -2518A&gt;G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility in any of the genetic model comparisons. After stratified analysis by ethnicity, the results showed that a significant association with asthma risk was found in Caucasians in all the genetic models. However, a protective association was found in Africans under the dominant model. The present meta-analysis suggested that the MCP-1 -2518 A&gt;G polymorphism is a risk factor for asthma in the Caucasian population, nevertheless it has a protective effect in the African population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10073483
title: Improved Functionalization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Ultra-Low Acid Volume: Effect of Solid/Liquid Interface

description: A comprehensive study of a less harmful functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was performed. The influence of ultrasonic cavitation and solid/liquid interface was indirectly evaluated by statistical characterization of MWCNT aspect ratio and degree of functionalization. MWCNT aspect ratio was determined through hundreds of electron microscopy images. Degree of functionalization of MWCNT was characterized by elemental analysis and thermogravimetry. Distribution of different oxygen-containing functional groups was assessed by potentiometric titration. MWCNT aqueous dispersions were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility and dynamic light scattering. An acid volume over 90% lower than usually reported in literature guaranteed MWCNTs with significantly larger aspect ratio, higher proportion of carboxylic groups and a more negative zeta potential in aqueous suspension. These results can be related to a more localized ultrasonic cavitation in MWCNTs/acid interface for reduced liquid volumes. This distinguished influence of ultrasonic cavitation may be a valuable contribution to more eco-friendly processes with nanomaterials.