bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RGD-functionalised melanin nanoparticles for intraoperative photoacoustic imaging-guided breast cancer surgery
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Wang Zun , Nie Li-Ming , Zhu Yuan-Yuan , Li Ge , Lin Lin-Ling , Chen Min , Zhang Guo-Jun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Obtaining tumour-free margins is critical for avoiding re-excision and reducing local recurrence following breast-conserving surgery; however, it remains challenging. Imaging-guided surgery provides precise detection of residual lesions and assists surgical resection. Herein, we described water-soluble melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) conjugated with cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD) peptides for breast cancer photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and surgical navigation.

Methods
The cRGD-MNPs were synthesised and characterized for morphology, photoacoustic characteristics and stability. Tumour targeting and toxicity of cRGD-MNPs were determined by using either breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 tumour-bearing mice or the FVB/N-Tg (MMTV-PyVT) 634Mul/J mice model. PAI was used to locate the tumour and guide surgical resection in MDA-MB-231 tumour-bearing mice.

Results
The cRGD-MNPs exhibited excellent in vitro and in vivo tumour targeting with low toxicity. Intravenous administration of cRGD-MNPs to MDA-MB-231 tumour-bearing mice showed an approximately 2.1-fold enhancement in photoacoustic (PA) intensity at 2 h, and the ratio of the PA intensity at the tumour site to that in the surrounding normal tissue was 3.2 ± 0.1, which was higher than that using MNPs (1.7 ± 0.3). Similarly, the PA signal in the spontaneous breast cancer increased ~ 2.5-fold at 2 h post-injection of cRGD-MNPs in MMTV-PyVT transgenic mice. Preoperative PAI assessed tumour volume and offered three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images for accurate surgical planning. Surgical resection following real-time PAI showed high consistency with histopathological analysis.

Conclusion
These results highlight that cRGD-MNP-mediated PAI provide a powerful tool for breast cancer imaging and precise tumour resection. cRGD-MNPs with fine PA properties have great potential for clinical translation.
Cooperatively breeding banded mongooses do not avoid inbreeding through familiarity-based kin recognition
Authors: Khera Monil , Arbuckle Kevin , Hoffman Joseph I. , Sanderson Jennifer L. , Cant Michael A. , Nichols Hazel J. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In species that live in family groups, such as cooperative breeders, inbreeding is usually avoided through the recognition of familiar kin. For example, individuals may avoid mating with conspecifics encountered regularly in infancy, as these likely include parents, siblings, and closely related alloparents. Other mechanisms have also been reported, albeit rarely; for example, individuals may compare their own phenotype to that of others, with close matches representing likely relatives (“phenotype matching”). However, determinants of the primary inbreeding avoidance mechanisms used by a given species remain poorly understood. We use 24 years of life history and genetic data to investigate inbreeding avoidance in wild cooperatively breeding banded mongooses (Mungos mungo). We find that inbreeding avoidance occurs within social groups but is far from maximised (mean pedigree relatedness between 351 breeding pairs = 0.144). Unusually for a group-living vertebrate, we find no evidence that females avoid breeding with males with which they are familiar in early life. This is probably explained by communal breeding; females give birth in tight synchrony and pups are cared for communally, thus reducing the reliability of familiarity-based proxies of relatedness. We also found little evidence that inbreeding is avoided by preferentially breeding with males of specific age classes. Instead, females may exploit as-yet unknown proxies of relatedness, for example, through phenotype matching, or may employ postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. Investigation of species with unusual breeding systems helps to identify constraints against inbreeding avoidance and contributes to our understanding of the distribution of inbreeding across species.

Significance statement
Choosing the right mate is never easy, but it may be particularly difficult for banded mongooses. In most social animals, individuals avoid mating with those that were familiar to them as infants, as these are likely to be relatives. However, we show that this rule does not work in banded mongooses. Here, the offspring of several mothers are raised in large communal litters by their social group, and parents seem unable to identify or direct care towards their own pups. This may make it difficult to recognise relatives based on their level of familiarity and is likely to explain why banded mongooses frequently inbreed. Nevertheless, inbreeding is lower than expected if mates are chosen at random, suggesting that alternative pre- or post-copulatory inbreeding avoidance mechanisms are used.
Human placental extract ameliorates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via regulating antioxidative and anti-inflammatory responses
Authors: Ghoneum Mamdooh , El-Gerbed Mohamed S. A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Methotrexate (MTX) induces hepatotoxicity, limiting its clinical efficacy as a widely known chemotherapy drug. In the current study, we examined the protective effect of human placenta extract (HPE) against MTX-induced liver damage in rats, as well as its ability to regulate antioxidative and anti-inflammatory liver responses.

Methods
Male rats were orally administered MTX at a daily dose of 5 mg/kg-body-weight in the presence or absence of HPE (10.08 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. We measured the biological effects of MTX and HPE on the levels of liver enzymes, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress biomarkers, and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)]. In addition, histological examination and histopathological scoring of liver tissues were performed.

Results
MTX-treated rats showed significantly increased (p < 0.001) liver enzyme levels for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. However, HPE supplementation in MTX-treated rats significantly decreased (p < 0.001) these elevated levels. HPE supplementation also significantly reduced the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA), reversed the reduction in glutathione (GSH), and markedly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the livers of MTX-treated rats. Furthermore, HPE supplementation significantly decreased the MTX-elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Histopathological examinations showed that MTX produced severe cellular damage and inflammatory lesions in liver tissues, while treatment with HPE improved hepatic histologic architecture.

Conclusion
HPE has the ability to ameliorate methotrexate-induced liver injury in rats by mechanisms that include boosting antioxidative responses and down-regulating MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Ruxolitinib exposure in patients with acute and chronic graft versus host disease in routine clinical practice—a prospective single-center trial
Authors: Isberner Nora , Kraus Sabrina , Grigoleit Götz Ulrich , Aghai Fatemeh , Kurlbaum Max , Zimmermann Sebastian , Klinker Hartwig , Scherf-Clavel Oliver 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge on Ruxolitinib exposure in patients with graft versus host disease (GvHD) is scarce. The purpose of this prospective study was to analyze Ruxolitinib concentrations of GvHD patients and to investigate effects of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 inhibitors and other covariates as well as concentration-dependent effects.

Methods
262 blood samples of 29 patients with acute or chronic GvHD who were administered Ruxolitinib during clinical routine were analyzed. A population pharmacokinetic model obtained from myelofibrosis patients was adapted to our population and was used to identify relevant pharmacokinetic properties and covariates on drug exposure. Relationships between Ruxolitinib exposure and adverse events were assessed.

Results
Median of individual mean trough serum concentrations was 39.9 ng/mL at 10 mg twice daily (IQR 27.1 ng/mL, range 5.6–99.8 ng/mL). Applying a population pharmacokinetic model revealed that concentrations in our cohort were significantly higher compared to myelofibrosis patients receiving the same daily dose (p < 0.001). Increased Ruxolitinib exposure was caused by a significant reduction in Ruxolitinib clearance by approximately 50%. Additional comedication with at least one strong CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 inhibitor led to a further reduction by 15% (p < 0.05). No other covariate affected pharmacokinetics significantly. Mean trough concentrations of patients requiring dose reduction related to adverse events were significantly elevated (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Ruxolitinib exposure is increased in GvHD patients in comparison to myelofibrosis patients due to reduced clearance and comedication with CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 inhibitors. Elevated Ruxolitinib trough concentrations might be a surrogate for toxicity.
Magnetron sputtering technique for analyzing the influence of RF sputtering power on microstructural surface morphology of aluminum thin films deposited on SiO2/Si substrates
Authors: Asgary Somayeh , Vaghri Elnaz , Daemi Masoumeh , Esmaili Parisa , Ramezani Amir H. , Memon Saim , Hoseinzadeh Siamak 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this research, aluminum (Al) thin films were deposited on SiO2/Si substrates using RF magnetron sputtering technique for analyzing the influence of RF sputtering power on microstructural surface morphologies. Different sputtering RF powers (100–400 W) were employed to form Al thin films. The characteristics of deposited Al thin films are investigated using X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier-transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate that the deposited films in low sputtering power have amorphous nature. By increasing the sputtering power, crystallization is observed. AFM analysis results show that the RF power of 300 W is the optimum sputtering power to grow the smoothest Al thin films. FTIR results show that the varying RF power affect the chemical structure of the deposited films. The SEM results show that by increasing the sputtering power leads to the formation of isolated texture on the surface of substrate. In conclusion, RF power has a significant impact on the properties of deposited films, particularly crystallization and shape.
Fortifying a meal with oyster mushroom powder beneficially affects postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1, non-esterified free fatty acids and hunger sensation in adults with impaired glucose tolerance: a double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Dicks Lisa , Jakobs Linda , Sari Miriam , Hambitzer Reinhard , Ludwig Norbert , Simon Marie-Christine , Stehle Peter , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Helfrich Hans-Peter , Ahlborn Jenny , Rühl Martin , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Ellinger Sabine 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a pathophysiological condition characterized by insulin resistance with known metabolic consequences such as postprandial hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. We hypothesized that fortifying a meal with mushrooms rich in β-glucans may diminish glucose and triglyceride responses by improving postprandial gastrointestinal hormone release.

Methods
In a randomized controlled crossover study, 22 subjects with IGT ingested a meal either enriched with 20 g powder (8.1 g β-glucans) of oven-dried Pleurotus ostreatus (enriched meal, EN) or without enrichment (control meal, CON). Blood was collected before and repeatedly within 4 h after the meal to determine AUC of glucose (primary outcome), insulin, triglycerides, non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFAs), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and ghrelin. Appetite sensations (hunger, satiety, fullness, and desire to eat) were assessed before and after meal consumption by visual analog scales.

Results
Postprandial glucose, insulin, triglycerides, GIP and ghrelin concentrations as well as the corresponding AUCs did not differ between EN and CON. NEFAs-AUC was 14% lower (P = 0.026) and GLP-1-AUC 17% higher (P = 0.001) after EN compared to CON. Appetite ratings did not differ between treatments, except for hunger (AUC 22% lower after EN vs. CON; P = 0.031).

Conclusion
The observed immediate postprandial metabolic changes indicate that an easily manageable fortification of a single meal with powder from dried oyster mushrooms as β-glucan source may improve postprandial metabolism. If the effect is preserved long term, this measure can diminish the risk for further development of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes in subjects with IGT.

Clinical trial registration
German Clinical Trial Register on 09/08/2018; trial-ID: DRKS00015244.
A petrological and conceptual model of Mayon volcano (Philippines) as an example of an open-vent volcano
Authors: Ruth D. C. S. , Costa F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMayon is a basaltic andesitic, open-vent volcano characterized by persistent passive degassing from the summit at 2463 m above sea level. Mid-size (< 0.1 km3) and mildly explosive eruptions and occasional phreatic eruptions have occurred approximately every 10 years for over a hundred years. Mayon’s plumbing system structure, processes, and time scales driving its eruptions are still not well-known, despite being the most active volcano in the Philippines. We investigated the petrology and geochemistry of its crystal-rich lavas (~ 50 vol% phenocrysts) from nine historical eruptions between 1928 and 2009 and propose a conceptual model of the processes and magmatic architecture that led to the eruptions. The whole-rock geochemistry and mineral assemblage (plagioclase + orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + Fe-Ti oxide ± olivine) of the lavas have remained remarkably homogenous (54 wt% SiO2, ~ 4 wt% MgO) from 1928 to 2009. However, electron microscope images and microprobe analyses of the phenocrysts and the existence of three types of glomerocrysts testify to a range of magmatic processes, including long-term magma residence, magma mixing, crystallization, volatile fluxing, and degassing. Multiple mineral-melt geothermobarometers suggest a relatively thermally buffered system at 1050 ± 25 °C, with several magma residence zones, ranging from close to the surface, through reservoirs at ~ 4–5 km, and as deep as ~ 20 km. Diffusion chronometry on > 200 orthopyroxene crystals reveal magma mixing timescales that range from a few days to about 65 years, but the majority are shorter than the decadal inter-eruptive repose period. This implies that magma intrusion at Mayon has been nearly continuous over the studied time period, with limited crystal recycling from one eruption to the next. The variety of plagioclase textures and zoning patterns reflect fluxing of volatiles from depth to shallower melts through which they eventually reach the atmosphere through an open conduit. The crystal-rich nature of the erupted magmas may have developed during each inter-eruptive period. We propose that Mayon has behaved over almost 100 years as a steady state system, with limited variations in eruption frequency, degassing flux, magma composition, and crystal content that are mainly determined by the amount and composition of deep magma and volatile input in the system. We explore how Mayon volcano’s processes and working model can be related to other open-vent mafic and water-rich systems such as Etna, Stromboli, Villarrica, or Llaima. Finally, our understanding of open-vent, persistently active volcanoes is rooted in historical observations, but volcano behavior can evolve over longer time frames. We speculate that these volcanoes produce specific plagioclase textures that can be used to identify similar volcanic behavior in the geologic record.
Determinants and Reference Ranges of Serum Immunoglobulins in Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals: a Population-Based Study
Authors: Khan Samer Raza , Chaker Layal , Ikram Mohammad Arfan , Peeters Robin Patrick , van Hagen Petrus Martinus , Dalm Virgil Alain Silvester Hovestadt 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
In clinical practice, currently one reference range for serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, and M is applied to all adults, although various factors may influence Ig serum levels. Population-based data on determinants of IgA, IgG, and IgM and recommendations for subgroup specific reference ranges are lacking. We aimed to provide an overview of determinants of IgA, IgG, and IgM in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly individuals and explore determinants that influence Ig reference ranges.

Methods
Within the Rotterdam Study, we performed linear regression analyses for the association of demographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular factors with serum IgA, IgG, and IgM. We furthermore calculated Ig reference ranges (based on percentiles), both overall and within relevant subgroups.

Results
We included 8768 participants (median age 62 years). IgA and IgG increased non-linearly with higher age (P < .0001 for both). Women had lower IgA (beta: − 0.24; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: − 0.29; − 0.20) and IgG (beta: − 0.33; 95% CI: − 0.44; − 0.23), but higher IgM levels (beta: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04;0.13) than men. Former and particularly current smoking were associated with lower IgA and IgG (betas between − 0.07 and − 1.03). Higher alcohol consumption was associated with lower IgG (beta for heavy drinking: − 0.70; 95% CI: − 0.91; − 0.48). Corticosteroid use was associated with lower IgG (beta: − 1.12; 95% CI: − 1.58; − 0.66). Associations with cardiovascular factors were heterogeneous and differed between sexes.

Conclusion
Age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, corticosteroid use, and cardiovascular factors are determinants that should be considered when interpreting serum Ig levels in middle-aged and elderly individuals and may require adjusted reference ranges.
The Effect of Expected Losses on the Hong Kong Property Market
Authors: Li Ling , Wan Wayne Xinwei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractExpected losses anchored to purchase prices can affect actual transactions in different property sectors. Utilizing the data of over a million commercial and residential property transactions in Hong Kong from 1991 to 2015, we find that sellers facing nominal losses relative to their prior purchase prices attained higher selling prices than their counterparts. We suggest two market factors to account for the extent of the loss effect on the market transaction prices. First, the loss effect is only prominent when comparable transaction information is not readily accessible, such as in the less-transacted commercial property market. Second, our results suggest the relevance of the loss effect to the boom-bust property cycle in both the residential and commercial markets. The effect of expected losses on transaction prices is relatively weak in the bust period between 1998 and 2003 when the Hong Kong property market lost almost two-thirds of its value, and it enlarges with the market recovering. The loss effect is not attenuated at the aggregate market level but is associated with strong reductions in price declines in the bust period and in the commercial market. These results have implications for understanding the market adjustment of the loss effect in the property market and its association with the aggregate market dynamics in a boom-bust property cycle.
REPIMPACT - a prospective longitudinal multisite study on the effects of repetitive head impacts in youth soccer
Authors: Koerte Inga K. , Bahr Roald , Filipcik Peter , Gooijers Jolien , Leemans Alexander , Lin Alexander P. , Tripodis Yorghos , Shenton Martha E. , Sochen Nir , Swinnen Stephan P. , Pasternak Ofer ,   for the REPIMPACT Consortium Investigators
Published: September 2021

AbstractRepetitive head impacts (RHI) are common in youth athletes participating in contact sports. RHI differ from concussions; they are considered hits to the head that usually do not result in acute symptoms and are therefore also referred to as “subconcussive” head impacts. RHI occur e.g., when heading the ball or during contact with another player. Evidence suggests that exposure to RHI may have cumulative effects on brain structure and function. However, little is known about brain alterations associated with RHI, or about the risk factors that may lead to clinical or behavioral sequelae. REPIMPACT is a prospective longitudinal study of competitive youth soccer players and non-contact sport controls aged 14 to 16 years. The study aims to characterize consequences of exposure to RHI with regard to behavior (i.e., cognition, and motor function), clinical sequelae (i.e., psychiatric and neurological symptoms), brain structure, function, diffusion and biochemistry, as well as blood- and saliva-derived measures of molecular processes associated with exposure to RHI (e.g., circulating microRNAs, neuroproteins and cytokines). Here we present the structure of the REPIMPACT Consortium which consists of six teams of clinicians and scientists in six countries. We further provide detailed information on the specific aims and the design of the REPIMPACT study. The manuscript also describes the progress made in the study thus far. Finally, we discuss important challenges and approaches taken to overcome these challenges.
Halloysite nanotubes-based nanocomposites for the hydrophobization of hydraulic mortar
Authors: Caruso Maria Rita , Megna Bartolomeo , Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Milioto Stefana , Lazzara Giuseppe 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The treatment of stone surfaces for their protection from ageing caused by natural and anthropogenic effects is an open issue in materials development for Cultural Heritage. We thought interesting to verify the suitability of a modified cellulose biofilm filled with halloysite nanotubes as wax compatibilizers to design a protecting layer. A hydraulic mortar was selected as a stone prototype. To improve the physico-chemical properties of the covering layer, wax microparticles have been incorporated to control transport, consolidation and wettability features. In particular, different application protocols have been studied, namely brushing and spraying, to assess whether the proposed procedures can be scaled up. Colorimetric analysis has been carried out to evidence the applicability in terms of color alteration after the treatment. Water adhesion was investigated by measuring the contact angle values as a function of time to obtain information on spreading and adsorption phenomena. These physico-chemical properties have been correlated to the microstructure evidenced by both electron and optical microscopies.

Graphic abstract
Reflexivität
Authors: Neuweg Georg Hans 
Published: September 2021

ZusammenfassungZeitgenössische Lehrerbildungsansätze eint das Ziel, die Reflexivität angehender Lehrpersonen zu steigern. Häufig beruft man sich dabei auf Schönsreflective practitioner-Konzept. Im ersten Teil des Beitrags wird zunächst gezeigt, dass diese Berufung zu Unrecht erfolgt; Schön hat eine Theorie des Lernens an der Erfahrung vorgelegt, dessen Schwächen in Reflexionsansätzen gerade überwunden werden sollen. Sodann werden diese Schwächen benannt und das Reflexionskonzept als Antwort darauf rekonstruiert. Schließlich wird die Vielfalt unterschiedlicher Ausformungen reflexiver Lehrerbildung exemplarisch illustriert. Im zweiten Teil wird auf bislang kaum diskutierte Gefahren und Probleme hypertropher Reflexionsanforderungen hingewiesen. Der Beitrag schließt im dritten Teil mit einer kritischen Anfrage an das Programm einer reflexiven Lehrerbildung.