Dataset on fire resistance analysis of FRP-strengthened concrete beams.

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as an efficient and feasible technique for tackling engineering problems. Despite the numerous advantages, the implementation of ML for evaluating the fire resistance of structural members is relatively scarce, primarily due to the lack of a reliable database with a substantial number of data points. To address this knowledge gap, this paper presents a comprehensive database on the fire performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The database comprises over 21,000 experimental and numerical data points with varying parameters, including various geometric dimensions, FRP-strengthening levels, steel reinforcement ratio, insulation thickness and configuration, material properties, and applied load levels. The database can be implemented to train ML algorithms for developing autonomous models for predicting the fire resistance of FRP-strengthened concrete beams with varying parameters.

Evaluation of a mucoadhesive buccal patch for delivery of peptides: in vitro screening of bioadhesion.

We have assessed the bioadhesive properties of several different mucoadhesive buccal patches. The patches consisted of custom coformulations of silicone polymers and Carbopol 974P. The contact angle of water was measured for each of the test formulations, using an ophthalmic shadow scope. The corresponding work of adhesion between the water and the patches (W1), and between the patches and freshly-excised rabbit buccal mucosa (W2) was then calculated, using a modification of Dupre's equation. The bioadhesive strength between the patches and excised rabbit buccal mucosa was also assessed. The results of the contact-angle measurements indicated that the contact angle decreased with an increase in the amount of Carbopol in the formulation. Additionally, the calculated values of both W1 and W2 increased with an increase in the amount of Carbopol in the buccal-patch formulations. A correlation (r not equal to 0.9808) was found between the measured contact angle and the calculated values for W2. The direct measurement of the force required to separate a buccal patch from excised rabbit buccal mucosa with the INSTRON demonstrated that the adhesive strength increased with an increase in the amount of Carbopol. This preliminary study has shown that the measurement of contact angles alone may provide a useful technique for estimating the work of adhesion, and may serve as a convenient and rapid screening procedure to identify potential mucoadhesive buccal-patch formulations.

Transmucosal delivery of oxytocin to rabbits using a mucoadhesive buccal patch.

A biocompatible, mucoadhesive buccal patch was evaluated in rabbits for transmucosal delivery of peptides. Oxytocin (OT) was incorporated into custom coformulations of Carbopol 974P and silicone polymer and the resulting plasma OT concentration versus time profiles determined following patch application. For comparative purposes, the mean values determined for the elimination half-life (t1/2), volume of distribution (Vd), and the total body clearance (CL) following intravenous injection of OT were 2.9 +/- 0.2 min, 85.3 +/- 6.7 ml, and 20.4 +/- 2.03 ml/min, respectively. Following application of oxytocin-loaded mucoadhesive patches, plasma OT concentrations remained 20- to 28-fold greater from 0.5 to 3.0 hr than control animals administered placebo patches. The steady-state plasma OT concentration (Css) following application of the buccal patches was 80.6 +/- 15.9 pg/ml. The lag-time associated with attainment of the Css was 0.45 +/- 0.18 hr. Steady-state flux (Jss) of oxytocin in vivo was 139 +/- 36.8 ng/hr/cm2. Based on the amount of OT remaining in the patches following removal, the average dose of OT released in vivo was 0.27 +/- 0.024 mg with a bioavailability of 0.1%. No significant alterations in mucosal histology were observed when underlying mucosa to which OT patches had been applied were compared to either control (no patch) mucosa or mucosa underneath placebo patches. The mucoadhesive buccal patches were easy to apply and remove, nonirritating to tissue, and able to continuously deliver a nonapeptide over 3 hr. Based on these preliminary studies, the mucoadhesive buccal patches evaluated may represent an improved transmucosal drug delivery system for peptides and conventional drug substances.

In vitro release and permeation of oxytocin from a mucoadhesive buccal patch.

A biocompatible, mucoadhesive patch was evaluated for potential use in the delivery of peptides. The model peptide oxytocin was incorporated into the polymeric patch matrix and the diffusion of oxytocin across excised rabbit buccal epithelium was studied following patch application. Penetration of oxytocin across excised mucosa from an applied patch did not exhibit a characteristic lag time for diffusion, with the steady-state flux of oxytocin being 0.062 +/- 0.019 microgram/cm2/hr. However, when finite-dose diffusion studies were conducted to quantitate transport of oxytocin across rabbit buccal mucosa, the mean apparent permeability coefficient (P), diffusion coefficient (D), partition coefficient (K), and lag time (tlag) were (1.94 +/- 0.74) x 10(-7) cm/sec, (9.20 +/- 1.65) x 10(-8) cm2/sec, 0.13 +/- 0.05 and 1.86 +/- 0.31 hr, respectively. The release of oxytocin from the mucoadhesive buccal patches in vitro proceeded very rapidly during the first 2 hr, with 72% of the amount initially incorporated into the patches released at 24 hr. The disappearance rate of intact, parent oxytocin when an oxytocin solution was placed in direct contact with the serosal and mucosal sides of freshly excised rabbit buccal mucosa was 0.74 +/- 0.34 microgram/cm2/hr and 3.38 +/- 1.07 micrograms/cm2/hr, respectively. Thus, the buccal patch evaluated in these studies appears to be suitable for transmucosal delivery of peptides.

Association of peptic ulcer with Helicobacter pylori and the recurrence rate. A three year follow-up study.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with 70-100% of peptic ulcers. Relapse of infection has been shown to cause recurrences of ulcers in a large number of studies. We diagnosed 137 cases of peptic ulcer (121 DU; 16 GU) during a 3 year period. Of these, 117 were positive for H pylori. Sixty six of the 117 cases staying in the vicinity of the Hospital were followed up for a minimum period of 3 months upto a maximum period of 3 years. In 91 examinations there was relapse of H pylori infection and ulcer recurrence was seen in 58 (63%), whereas ulcer recurred only in 6 out of 61 examinations where H pylori had not relapsed (10%). The difference was highly significant by Chi square test. (P less than 0.001).

Relapse of Helicobacter pylori infection after different treatment regimens. A 3-month follow-up study.

Helicobacter pylori infection of gastric antrum is associated with a majority of cases of peptic ulcer (70-100%). Studies have shown that when this organism is eradicated, the recurrence of ulcer falls to less than one-third of those in whom the infection persists or relapses. Monotherapy with bismuth salts, tinidazone or amoxycillin has been shown to result in early relapse and recurrence of ulcers. However, dual or triple therapy regimens are more effective. We conducted a randomised controlled study using tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate (TDB) (10 patients); amoxycillin (combined with ranitidine for ulcer healing) (9 patients) and dual therapy with both amoxycillin and TDB (10 patients). Our study showed that relapse rates at the end of 3 months was significantly less if dual therapy with TDB and amoxycillin is used as compared to TDB alone (p less than 0.05).

Oral absorption of metronidazole in rabbits irradiated with cobalt-60 gamma radiation.

The absorption of oral metronidazole in control rabbits and in rabbits irradiated with cobalt-60 gamma radiation was studied. It was observed that the bioavailability of metronidazole was significantly reduced in irradiated animals the reduction being dependent on the dose of radiation. The maximum decrease in absorption was seen 48 h post-irradiation.