bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual and situational determinants of plastic waste sorting: an experience sampling method study protocol
Authors: Broers Valérie J. V. , Van Scharrenburg Melina , Fredrix Lily , Lataster Johan , Löhr Ansje J. , Jacobs Nele 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPlastic waste management is one of the most challenging problems of our time. Until now, only 9% of the produced plastics has been recycled. In order to increase recycling, a behavior change towards sorting of plastic waste is needed. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to gain insight in the individual and situational determinants associated with plastic waste sorting behavior. The Integrated Framework for Encouraging Pro-environmental Behaviour will be used as the theoretical framework. This framework assumes that individual egoistic and hedonic values are negatively related to pro-environmental behaviour, whereas individual biospheric and altruistic values are positively related to pro-environmental behaviour. Situational cues can activate these values, resulting in (non) pro-environmental behaviour. Taking the Integrated Framework for Encouraging Pro-environmental Behaviour into account, this study will test the hypothesized associations between individual and situational determinants and plastic waste sorting behavior, using an ecological momentary assessment approach (Experience Sampling Method, ESM).MethodsA signal-contingent scheme with semi-random intervals will be used for the ESM questionnaire. Over a period of seven consecutive days, an ESM-based smartphone app will prompt participants ten times a day to fill in a short questionnaire containing questions about situational determinants and plastic waste sorting behaviour. Participants will also complete an online questionnaire before and after the study measuring the individual determinants and plastic waste sorting behaviour.DiscussionESM has many benefits over traditional surveys, such as improved ecological validity and the possibility to explore temporal relationships. The disadvantages of ESM are mainly related to the burden for the participants and the possibility of reactivity effects. The results will provide insight into the relationship between situational cues, individual values and plastic waste behaviour. The practical implications of the findings of this study can be of interest for policy makers in order to reach plastic waste reduction targets. Furthermore, the situational cues that activate values, which increase or decrease plastic waste sorting, can be targeted in interventions. The results of this study can also be relevant for further research studying and stimulating pro-environmental behaviour in general.
Pathology of the neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies
Authors: Zarekiani Parand , Breur Marjolein , Wolf Nicole I. , de Vries Helga E. , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Bugiani Marianna 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier is a dynamic endothelial cell barrier in the brain microvasculature that separates the blood from the brain parenchyma. Specialized brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons, microglia and pericytes together compose the neurovascular unit and interact to maintain blood–brain barrier function. A disturbed brain barrier function is reported in most common neurological disorders and may play a role in disease pathogenesis. However, a comprehensive overview of how the neurovascular unit is affected in a wide range of rare disorders is lacking. Our aim was to provide further insights into the neuropathology of the neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies to unravel its potential pathogenic role in these diseases. Leukodystrophies are monogenic disorders of the white matter due to defects in any of its structural components. Single leukodystrophies are exceedingly rare, and availability of human tissue is unique. Expression of selective neurovascular unit markers such as claudin-5, zona occludens 1, laminin, PDGFRβ, aquaporin-4 and α-dystroglycan was investigated in eight different leukodystrophies using immunohistochemistry. We observed tight junction rearrangements, indicative of endothelial dysfunction, in five out of eight assessed leukodystrophies of different origin and an altered aquaporin-4 distribution in all. Aquaporin-4 redistribution indicates a general astrocytic dysfunction in leukodystrophies, even in those not directly related to astrocytic pathology or without prominent reactive astrogliosis. These findings provide further evidence for dysfunction in the orchestration of the neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies and contribute to a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism.
Comparative chemical investigations of alum treated archaeological wood from various museum collections
Authors: Łucejko Jeannette Jacqueline , McQueen Caitlin M. A. , Sahlstedt Malin , Modugno Francesca , Colombini Maria Perla , Braovac Susan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
From the mid-1800s to the late 1960s, conservation by alum salts (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O—potassium aluminium sulphate), using various recipes, was a common method to prevent shrinkage and to strengthen waterlogged archaeological wooden objects. This method was mainly used in Scandinavia. The alum method appears to have also been applied to highly degraded archaeological waterlogged wood in other countries, for example in the U.S and Germany. Today, many of the archaeological wooden objects treated with alum show extreme deterioration and very low pH, which are attributed to the effects of the alum-treatment. This study investigated the extent of the current levels of chemical degradation in wooden objects conserved with alum salts at different points in time (1880s, 1930s and 1905–13) in order to understand their current condition and whether extent of degradation was in any way related to time of treatment, in an attempt to understand the rate of degradation. It was also an opportunity to compare the chemical state of preservation of alum-treated wood from different collections, as only the Oseberg collection has been intensively studied in this way up until now. Samples from historical wooden objects from the following collections were investigated and compared: the Dejbjerg collection (National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen); the Oseberg collection (Museum of Cultural History, Oslo, Norway); the Glimmingehus collection (Swedish History Museum, Sweden). Analyses of lignocellulosic polymers and of inorganic compounds were undertaken to evaluate the chemical preservation of the wooden objects. The investigations were performed using a multi-analytical approach which consisted of: pH measurements, analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). It was possible to link the extent of degradation with time, on a general level but we found a great variability in the state of preservation of the wood also within the same collection. It is clear, however that alum-treated wood is more degraded than archaeological wood not treated with alum.
The use of ground glass in red glazes: structural 3D imaging and mechanical behaviour using optical coherence tomography and nanoindentation
Authors: Almasian Mitra , Tiennot Mathilde , Fiske Lionel D. , Hermens Erma 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this study we investigate the impact of the addition of colourless glass particles to red glazes, as seen in many 15th-17th-century easel paintings. With the use of reconstructions, we examined the influence of the paint preparation process on the morphological and mechanical properties of the paint film. Three sets of reconstructions were made, a control without ground glass, reconstructions with coarse or fine ground glass mixed in, and reconstructions where fine ground glass was ground jointly with the pigment oil mixture. The latter gave the desired consistency and colour based on visual inspection. The dried reconstructions were non-invasively imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT). A data-analysis pipeline was developed for both the segmentation of the OCT images and the measurement of the size and spatial distributions of the glass particles within the glaze layer. Moreover, we used a nanoindentation protocol to measure the viscoelastic properties of the dried red glaze film. The OCT results show an expected decrease in median particle size with longer grinding-time, for which the additional grinding with pigment/oil resulted in a more narrow size distribution and a homogenous spatial distribution of the glass particles. The nanoindentation results indicate that the addition of glass particles increases the elastic and viscous moduli of the red glaze layers. The homogeneous size distribution, obtained by grinding the oil, pigment, and glass together, induces higher elastic and viscous moduli. Our imaging and analyses approach, combining OCT and nanoindentation, provides a non-invasive and quantitative investigation of glass particles in (semi-) transparent paint layers, and their effect on the mechanical properties of the glaze. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the artists’ addition of ground glass in paint layers.
In vivo toxicity and antitumor activity of newly green synthesized reduced graphene oxide/silver nanocomposites
Authors: El-Zahed Mohamed M. , Baka Zakaria A. , Abou-Dobara Mohamed I. , El-Sayed Ahmed K. , Aboser Magy M. , Hyder Ayman 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA novel biosynthesis of dual reduced graphene oxide/silver nanocomposites (rGO/AgNC) using the crude metabolite of Escherichia coli D8 (MF06257) strain and sunlight is introduced in this work. Physicochemical analysis of these rGO/AgNC revealed that they are sheet-like structures having spherically shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average particle size of 8 to 17 nm, and their absorption peak ranged from 350 to 450 nm. The biosynthesized rGO/AgNC were characterized by UV–vis and FT-IR spectra, X-ray diffraction, Zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy. After the injection of these nanocomposites to mice, their uptake by the kidney and liver has been proven by the ultrastructural observation and estimation of the hepatic and renal silver content. These nanocomposites caused a moderate toxicity for both organs. Changes in the liver and kidney functions and histopathological effects had been observed. The rGO/AgNC revealed a remarkable antitumor effect. They showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vitro. Treatment of mice bearing EAC tumors intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg rGO/AgNC showed an antiproliferative effect on EAC cells, reduced ascites volume, and maintained mice survival. The results indicate that this green synergy of silver nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxide may have a promising potential in cancer therapy.
How does financial literacy impact on inclusive finance?
Authors: Hasan Morshadul , Le Thi , Hoque Ariful 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInclusive finance is a core concept of finance that makes various financial products and services accessible and affordable to all individuals and businesses, especially those excluded from the formal financial system. One of the leading forces affecting people's ability to access financial services in rural areas is financial literacy. This study investigated the impacts of financial knowledge on financial access through banking, microfinance, and fintech access using the Bangladesh rural population data. We employed three econometrics models: logistic regression, probit regression, and complementary log–log regression to examine whether financial literacy significantly affects removing the barriers that prevent people from participating and using financial services to improve their lives. The empirical findings showed that knowledge regarding various financial services factors had significant impacts on getting financial access. Some variables such as profession, income level, knowledge regarding depositing and withdrawing money, and knowledge regarding interest rate highly affected the overall access to finance. The study's results provide valuable recommendations for the policymaker to improve financial inclusion in the developing country context. A comprehensive and long-term education program should be delivered broadly to the rural population to make a big stride in financial inclusion, a key driver of poverty reduction and prosperity boosting.
Involving frail older patients in identifying outcome measures for transitional care—a feasibility study
Authors: Hansen Troels Kjærskov , Jensen Annesofie Lunde , Damsgaard Else Marie , Rubak Tone Maria Mørck , Jensen Mikkel Erik Juul , Gregersen Merete 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
During care transitions, the older (75+) patient’s agenda can easily be missed. To counteract this, involving patients in shared clinical decision making has proven to be of great value. Likewise, involving patients and other stakeholders as researchers is gaining ground. Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research entails many benefits, for example, by bringing further insight from those with lived experiences of being ill. There are various challenges associated with involving some older patients, for example frailty, cognitive impairment and other chronic illnesses. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few examples of initiatives involving older patients beyond research participation. The feasibility of involving frail older patients during an ongoing care transition from hospital to primary health care remains unknown. To investigate the feasibility of including older frail patients, their relatives and health care professionals (HCPs) as co-researchers, we established a study with increasingly demanding levels of patient involvement to identify relevant outcome measures for future transitional care research.

Methods
The study was a pragmatic, qualitative feasibility study. The involved individuals were frail older patients, their relatives and HCPs. Patients and their relatives were interviewed, while the interviewer made reflective notes. A thematic analysis was made. Relatives and HCPs discussed the themes to identify relevant outcome measures and potentially co-create new patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in future transitional care studies. The feasibility was evaluated according to six involvement steps. The level of involvement was evaluated using the five-levelled Health Canada Public Involvement Continuum (HCPIC).

Results
In total, eight patients, five relatives and three HCPs were involved in the study. Patients were involved in discussing care transitions (HCPIC level 3), while some relatives were engaged (HCPIC level 4) in forming PROMs. The partnership level of involvement (HCPIC level 5) was not reached. The thematic analysis and the subsequent theme discussion successfully formed PROMs. The key PROMs were related to care, transparency and the relatives’ roles in the transitional care process.

Conclusions
When applying a pragmatic involvement approach, frail older patients can be successfully involved in identifying relevant transitional care outcome measures; however, involving these patients as fellow researchers seems infeasible. To maintain involvement, supportive relatives are essential. Useful experiences for future research involvement of this vulnerable group were reported, arguing that patient participation has the potential to become inherent in future geriatric research.
VEGFR1-tyrosine kinase signaling in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Amano Hideki , Matsui Yoshio , Hatanaka Ko , Hosono Kanako , Ito Yoshiya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is not only an important factor for angiogenesis but also lung development and homeostasis. VEGF-A binds three tyrosine kinase (TK) receptors VEGFR1–3. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the poor prognoses of lung diseases. The relationship of VEGF and IPF remains to be clarified. Treatment with nintedanib used for the treatment of IPF reduced fibroblast proliferation, inhibited TK receptors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and VEGFR. Because the effect of that treatment is still not satisfactory, the emergence of new therapeutic agents is needed. This review describes the enhancement of pulmonary fibrosis by VEGFR1-TK signal and suggests that the blocking of the VEGFR1-TK signal may be useful for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
A child psychiatrist's expert roles in the criminal court: children as vulnerable witnesses
Authors: Baker Anthony W. 
Published: June 2021

SUMMARYIn this article three main issues are addressed using anecdotal and anonymised illustrations of situations in which the author has been engaged, during 35 years of medico-legal practice, to assist in the process of obtaining and analysing the evidence of children to facilitate decision-making by various authorities and tribunals. Those issues are: the competence of a child to be a witness in the Crown Court; the process by which a child's evidence has been elicited; and the use of an analytical approach to the content (verbal, behavioural and emotional) of a child's evidence as an aid to jurists who have the task of reaching a decision as to the child's reliability, as distinct from their competence.
HPV associated cancers in the United States over the last 15 years: Has screening or vaccination made any difference?
Authors: Liao Cheng-I , Caesar Michelle Ann P. , Chan Chloe , Richardson Michael , Kapp Daniel Stuart , Francoeur Alex Andrea , Chan John 
Published: June 2021

107 Background: Human papillomavirus is a causative agent of many human cancers. This study aims to determine the incidence and trends of HPV-related cancers in the United States. Methods: HPV-associated cancers as classified by the CDC were included: oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), anal & rectal SCC, vulvar SCC, vaginal SCC, cervical carcinoma, and penile SCC. Data were obtained from the United States Cancer Statistics program from 2001-2017. SEER*Stat 8.3.8 and Joinpoint regression program 4.8.0.1 were used to calculate incidence trends of HPV-associated cancers per 100,000. Results: The overall incidence of HPV related cancers for women was 13.68/100,000, more than half of which (52%) were cervical cancer, at 7.12/100,000 in the year 2017. Over the last 16 years, the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased at an annual percent change (APC) of 1.03% (p < 0.001). In contrast, oropharyngeal (APC = 0.77%, p < 0.001), anal & rectal (APC = 2.75%, p < 0.001), and vulvar SCC all increased significantly (APC = 1.27%, p < 0.001). For older women, the incidence of anal & rectal cancer approached that of cervical cancer. In those over 80, the incidence of cervical cancer was 6.95 (-2.90% APC, p < 0.001), compared to 6.36 for anal & rectal cancer (1.23% APC, p < 0.001). Using a projection model, incidence of anal & rectal cancer is expected to surpass that of cervical cancer by year 2025 for every age group over 55. For men, the incidence of all HPV-related cancers was 11.0/100,000 in the year 2017, 81% were associated with oropharyngeal cancer. Over the last 16 years, there was an overall annual increase in HPV related cancers at 2.36% per year (p < 0.001) with the highest increase in oropharyngeal (APC = 2.71%, p < 0.001) and anal & rectal SCC (APC = 1.71%, p < 0.001). Those at greatest risk of oropharyngeal cancer were older men aged 65-69 years with an incidence of 36.5/100,000 and annual percent increase of 4.24% (p < 0.001). The intersectionality of age and race showed that White men age 65-69 years had the highest incidence of oropharyngeal at 41.6/100,000. Conclusions: Overall, there was a decrease in cervical cancer incidence likely due to screening or vaccination. However, over 80% of men with HPV related cancers had oropharyngeal cancer, a nearly fivefold higher incidence compared to women. In contrast, there was a significant increase in non-screenable HPV-related cancers and anal & rectal SCC incidence is projected to surpass that of cervical cancer within 5 years for certain at-risk groups. Further resources and research should be conducted to address the lack of screening or vaccination in these preventable cancers.
The histone demethylase PHF8 regulates astrocyte differentiation and function
Authors: Iacobucci Simona , Padilla Natalia , Gabrielli Martina , Navarro Claudia , Lombardi Marta , Vicioso-Mantis Marta , Verderio Claudia , de la Cruz Xavier , Martínez-Balbás Marian A. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Epigenetic factors have been shown to play a crucial role in X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). Here, we investigate the contribution of the XLID-associated histone demethylase PHF8 to astrocyte differentiation and function. Using genome-wide analyses and biochemical assays in mouse astrocytic cultures, we reveal a regulatory crosstalk between PHF8 and the Notch signaling pathway that balances the expression of the master astrocytic gene Nfia. Moreover, PHF8 regulates key synaptic genes in astrocytes by maintaining low levels of H4K20me3. Accordingly, astrocytic-PHF8 depletion has a striking effect on neuronal synapse formation and maturation in vitro. These data reveal that PHF8 is crucial in astrocyte development to maintain chromatin homeostasis and limit heterochromatin formation at synaptogenic genes. Our studies provide insights into the involvement of epigenetics in intellectual disability.
Loss of phosphatidylserine flippase β-subunit Tmem30a in podocytes leads to albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Peng Lei , Tian Wanli , Li Yi , Zhang Ping , Sun Kuanxiang , Yang Yeming , Li Xiao , Li Guisen , Zhu Xianjun 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
The asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the cytoplasmic leaflet of eukaryotic cell plasma membranes is regulated by a group of P4-ATPases (named PS flippases) and the β-subunit TMEM30A. Podocytes in the glomerulus form a filtration barrier to prevent the traversing of large cellular elements and macromolecules from the blood into the urinary space. Damage to podocytes can disrupt the filtration barrier and lead to proteinuria and podocytopathy. We observed reduced TMEM30A expression in patients with minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, indicating potential roles of TMEM30A in podocytopathy. To investigate the role of Tmem30a in the kidney, we generated a podocyte-specific Tmem30a knockout (KO) mouse model using the NPHS2-Cre line. Tmem30a KO mice displayed albuminuria, podocyte degeneration, mesangial cell proliferation with prominent extracellular matrix accumulation and eventual progression to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Our data demonstrate a critical role of Tmem30a in maintaining podocyte survival and glomerular filtration barrier integrity. Understanding the dynamic regulation of the PS distribution in the glomerulus provides a unique perspective to pinpointing the mechanism of podocyte damage and potential therapeutic targets.