bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microplastic detectives: a citizen-science project reveals large variation in meso- and microplastic pollution along German coastlines
Authors: Walther Bruno Andreas , Pasolini Franco , Korez Lupše Špela , Bergmann Melanie 
Published: September 2024

Plastic production and plastic waste have increased to such an extent that it has become globally ubiquitous. Several studies already have investigated the meso- and microplastic pollution along the German Baltic and North Sea coasts, but were all limited to a few locations. To obtain representative bulk samples from sandy beaches along the entire German coast, we initiated a citizen-science project entitled “Microplastic Detectives.” Here, we describe in detail 1) how we recruited, instructed, and engaged citizen scientists, 2) why we chose bulk sampling over reduced-volume sampling, and 3) the laboratory methods we used. The citizen scientists collected 1,139 samples from 71 locations along the German coast, totalling 2.2 tons of sand. After drying, sieving with a 1 mm sieve, and visual inspection of the retained fraction under a binocular microscope, all putative plastic particles ≥1 mm were analysed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. 177 out of 1,139 samples (15.5%) contained a total of 260 plastic particles, with a large right-skewed variation among locations. Most of the particles were fragments, foils, foams, fibres, and pellets (96.2% in total), and 89.6% of the particles were made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polystyrene. The unweighted mean pollution densities were 4.12 particles m−2, 0.17 particles kg−1 and 0.27 particles L−1, and the weighted mean pollution densities were 3.77 particles m−2, 0.11 particles kg−1 and 0.18 particles L−1. These densities are lower than in other similar studies, but previous studies had important methodological differences. We discuss how these differences could have influenced the results and make recommendations for improving future studies. Two important recommendations are 1) to use random or stratified random sampling and 2) to run transects perpendicular (rather than parallel) to the waterline. Our study highlights that large-scale, scientifically rigorous monitoring of meso- and microplastic pollution is possible at the national level, and possibly even at much larger spatial and temporal scales. With the help of local authorities, such a monitoring program could be established.
Impact of platelet transfusion refractoriness in the first 30 days post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on outcomes of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yuanfeng , Wang Yan , Ma Runzhi , Liu Li , Sun Jiali , Chen Xin , Yang Donglin , Pang Aiming , Zhang Rongli , Ma Qiaoling , Zhai Weihua , He Yi , Wei Jialin , Zhang Tingting , Jiang Erlie , Han MingZhe , Feng Sizhou 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionCurrently, no study has determined whether platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before engraftment in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) would impacts clinical outcomes.MethodsWe performed a MDS-specific retrospective analysis to determine whether PTR in one-month post-HSCT in patients with MDS could influence outcomes.Results and discussionAmong the 315 patients enrolled, 110 (34.9 %) had PTR from stem cell infusion to one-month post-HSCT. Baseline characteristics of the PTR and non-PTR groups were similar. We found that patients with PTR had a slower and lower rate of platelet engraftment by day 28, as well as a slower recovery of neutrophils. The median days of neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 14 days (9-23) and 17 days (8-28) in the PTR groups versus 13 days (9-23) and 15 days (7-28) in the non-PTR group (P&lt;0.001). By day 28, 84 of 110 patients (76.4%) with PTR achieved platelet engraftment compared with 181 of 205 patients (88.3%) without PTR achieving platelet engraftment (P=0.007). In addition, patients in the PTR group received significantly more red blood cell (median, 17 units vs. 10 units, P&lt;0.001) and platelet transfusions (median, 13 units vs. 7 units, P&lt;0.001). However, the overall survival was similar between the two groups. PTR in one-month post-HSCT, haploidentical donor, and ferritin level&gt;1041ng/ml (median level) were independent adverse factors of platelet engraftment.
GSTT1/GSTM1 deficiency aggravated cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via ROS-triggered ferroptosis
Authors: Li Peipei , Li Duopin , Lu Yanfang , Pan Shaokang , Cheng Fei , Li Shen , Zhang Xiaonan , Huo Jinling , Liu Dongwei , Liu Zhangsuo 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionCisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent prescribed to treat solid tumors. However, its clinical application is limited because of cisplatin- induced nephrotoxicity. A known complication of cisplatin is acute kidney injury (AKI). Deletion polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1, members of the glutathione S-transferase family, are common in humans and are presumed to be associated with various kidney diseases. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in cisplatin induced AKI remain unclear.MethodsTo investigate the roles of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in cisplatin-induced AKI, we generated GSTM1 and GSTT1 knockout mice using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and assessed their kidney function under normal physiological conditions and cisplatin treatment. Using ELISA kits, we measured the levels of oxidative DNA and protein damage, along with MDA, SOD, GSH, and the GSH/GSSG ratio in wild-type and GSTM1/GSTT1 knockout mice following cisplatin treatment. Additionally, oxidative stress levels and the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in kidney tissues were examined through Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques.ResultsHere, we found that GSTT1 and GSTM1 were downregulated in the renal tubular cells of AKI patients and cisplatin-treated mice. Compared with WT mice, Gstm1/Gstt1-DKO mice were phenotypically normal but developed more severe kidney dysfunction and exhibited increased ROS levels and severe ferroptosis after injecting cisplatin.DiscussionOur study revealed that GSTM1 and GSTT1 can protect renal tubular cells against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and ferroptosis, and genetic screening for GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms can help determine a standard cisplatin dose for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Causal effects of lipid-lowering drugs on skin diseases: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Yong , Liu Hui , Bian Queqiao 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAlthough previous studies have indicated an association between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and skin diseases, their causal effects remain inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between genetically proxied lipid-lowering drugs and skin cancers and psoriasis.MethodsTwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used to determine causal relationships. The “leave-one-out” sensitivity test, Cochran’s Q-statistic and MR-Egger intercept were used to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.ResultsWe identified 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as genetically proxied lipid-lowering drugs. Genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR (stains) was causally associated with reduced risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (OR 0.982, 95% CI 0.967–0.997, p = 0.016 by weighted median; OR 0.977, 95% CI 0.966–0.989, p &lt; 0.001 by IVW) and psoriasis (OR 0.585, 95% CI 0.378–0.905, p = 0.016 by IVW), while PCSK9 inhibition (alirocumab) was causally associated with reduced risk of psoriasis (OR 0.560, 95% CI 0.413–0.761 by weighted median; OR 0.564, 95% CI 0.447–0.712 by IVW; p &lt; 0.001) in the ieu-b-5089 dataset. Similar results were observed in the ieu-b-110 dataset for HMGCR and PCSK9. Sensitivity analysis revealed no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionThis study revealed the existing HMGCR inhibitors (stains) might be protective for reducing nonmelanoma skin cancer risk, and HMGCR inhibitors (stains) and PCSK9 inhibitor (alirocumab) might be promising for reducing psoriasis risk in the European population.
Research on aerobic fitness in children and adolescents: a bibliometric analysis based on the 100 most-cited articles
Authors: Xia Rui , Yang Liu , Liang Chaomei , Lyu Dongye , Zang Wanli , Sun Guanrong , Yan Jin 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles to examine research trends, hot topics, and gaps in aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents, addressing the lack of evidence synthesis.MethodsThe Web of Science Core Collection database was used for literature search, and bibliometric characteristics of the included research articles were imported and calculated. Descriptive statistics and visualizations by the VOS viewer were used for the presentation of bibliometric characteristics.ResultsThe 100 most cited articles received an average of 104 citations. British Journal of Sports Medicine and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise were the two top journals that published aerobic fitness research in children and adolescents. The United States was the top country that contributed to the most-cited research articles. Three top research topics were identified from the analysis, such as neuroscience, developmental psychology, and aerobic health.ConclusionAerobic fitness research in children and adolescents has received much attention and interest since 2000. The most contributing authors in this research field were from developed countries, such as the United States, and cognition and health-related research were priorities.
Axial length acquisition success rates and agreement of two swept-source optical biometers in eyes with dense cataracts
Authors: Orts-Vila Paz , Tañá-Sanz Santiago , Tello-Elordi Cristina , Montés-Micó Robert , Tañá-Rivero Pedro 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSwept-source optical coherence tomography–based (SS-OCT) biometers have been used in different clinical studies with the aim of assessing the accuracy of the technique, specifically in eyes with dense cataracts. Our objective is to evaluate the axial length acquisition success rates and agreement of two SS-OCT biometers when measuring axial length and biometric parameters in eyes with dense cataracts.Methods46 eyes (46 patients) with dense cataracts (LOCS III grade ≥ 4) were measured 3 consecutive times using the Eyestar 900 and Argos SS-OCT biometers. Keratometry (K1, flat and K2, steep), central corneal thickness (CCT), white-to-white (WTW), anterior-chamber-depth (ACD), lens-thickness (LT), and axial length were measured using both biometers. The percentage acquisition success rate and a Bland–Altman analysis to determine the agreement between the biometers were calculated. Corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity, subjective refraction, and axial length (to assess preoperative axial length accuracy) were measured 1-month post-cataract surgery.ResultsThe mean LOCS III score was 4.37 ± 0.68. The acquisition success rates for both biometers was 100%. There were statistically significant differences between the two SS-OCT biometers for all parameters evaluated (p &lt; 0.05). The mean differences for K1, K2, CCT, WTW, ACD, LT and axial length were 0.106 D, 0.128 D, −6.347 μm, −0.054 mm, 0.095 mm, 0.110 mm, and −0.036 mm, respectively. The mean pre- and post-surgery axial length difference was −0.036 mm for the Eyestar 900 and −0.020 mm for the Argos. This difference was ≤ 0.1 mm in 97.82% of eyes with the Eyestar 900 and in 100% of eyes with the Argos.ConclusionSS-OCT biometry successfully measures axial length in dense cataracts. The differences between biometers in some parameters may have a clinically significant impact but should be judged individually. The pre- and post-surgery axial length differences for each biometer can be considered clinically negligible and should not affect the IOL power calculation.
Antibacterial effects of human mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives: a systematic review
Authors: Castro Ramos Adeline , Widjaja Lomanto Markus Yovian , Vuong Cat-Khanh , Ohneda Osamu , Fukushige Mizuho 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to public health; This is partly due to the lack of advancements in the development of novel antibiotics and the pressing need for alternative treatment options. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) possess secretory components that enhance the immune response and peptides that disrupt the bacteria constitution. The isolation of various human tissues has facilitated the investigation of the diverse potentials of MSC and their components. Further research is needed to fully understand the spectrum and efficacy of these elements and their differences. The primary aim of this study was to perform a thorough review of the current literature related to the antimicrobial properties of MSC and their associated components. The objective was to establish an insight into the results and effects of utilizing MSC in relation to bacterial colonization, and to present an overview of previously documented findings.MethodsThis systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Data on the effect of MSC or their derivatives were measured by calculating the percentage of bacterial counts reduction after treatment with MSC in comparison to the control.ResultsA total of 3,911 articles were screened, and 31 eligible publications were selected for inclusion in the analysis. In the current systematic review, the majority of the experimental designs showed positive outcomes in terms of bacterial load reduction when MSC or their derivatives were used, with bone marrow being the most effective tissue. The rest of the findings exhibited heterogeneity in the spectrum of outcomes that could be attributed to the effects of using various tissues derived MSC in both in vivo and in vitro studies.ConclusionThe findings of our study indicate the potential antibacterial characteristics of MSC. The direct antimicrobial activity of these cells was demonstrated by our results, which quantitatively showed a decrease in bacterial growth after treatment with MSC. However, additional research is required to clarify the factors that determine the efficacy of their antimicrobial activity and their various components.
Forecasting models analysis for predictive maintenance
Authors: Belim Marco , Meireles Tiago , Gonçalves Gil , Pinto Rui 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study explores the shift toward predictive maintenance through real-time data analytics to minimize machine downtime and improve machinery insights in industrial environments. Predictive maintenance aims to enable proactive interventions by predicting failures, enhancing operational efficiency.MethodsThe research was conducted in three stages. First, BA Glass equipment was sensorized using OPC Router and PowerStudio SCADA to facilitate real-time data extraction. A predictive maintenance algorithm was then developed in Python to analyze sensor data, predict failures, and trigger alarms. Finally, various forecasting models, including Linear and Polynomial Regression, Simple and Double Exponential Smoothing, ARIMA, and Prophet, were evaluated using a combination of blocked cross-validation and rolling window methodologies. The algorithm calculated performance metrics such as MSE, RMSE, and MAE for different parameter configurations and training sizes.ResultsA comparative analysis between wired and wireless sensors concluded that wireless sensors, although more expensive, were more practical and interchangeable in the factory setting. The results from the evaluation of prediction models showed that the Double Exponential Smoothing (DES) model with an additive damped trend and linear models performed best for datasets with daily seasonality and gradual oscillations. For datasets with stable trends and higher frequency oscillations, ARIMA and Prophet models proved to be more accurate.DiscussionThese findings suggest that the choice of sensors and prediction models can significantly impact the effectiveness of predictive maintenance systems. Wireless sensors offer long-term benefits in terms of flexibility and practicality, while the DES model and ARIMA/Prophet models are optimal depending on the dataset characteristics. This research highlights the value of real-time data analytics and predictive models in industrial environments for reducing downtime and improving decision-making.
Enhancement of cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease through hyperbaric oxygen-induced activation of cellular autophagy
Authors: Fan Qian-Qian , Chen Yong-Min , Fu Yong-Sen , Li Xiao-Shan , Zeng Ji , Bian Shao-Zhen , Li Bin-Bin , Song Zhen-Hua 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveIn this study, we examined the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in ameliorating cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while also assessing its impact on the autophagic pathway within the context of AD.Methods20 double-transgenic mice expressing the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to groups A and B. Concurrently, 20 C57BL/6 mice were chosen and randomly categorized into groups C and D, each consisting of 10 mice. Mice in groups B and D received HBO treatment. The Morris water maze assay was used to assess changes in mouse behavior. Immunohistochemistry techniques were used to quantify the expression levels of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) in hippocampal tissues, while western blot analysis was used to investigate the levels of LC3-II, p62, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) proteins within hippocampal tissues.ResultsMice allocated to group B exhibited reduced escape latency and prolonged dwell time in the target quadrant compared to other groups. Histological examination revealed conspicuous plaque-like deposits of Aβ42 in the hippocampal tissues of mice in groups A and B. Group B displayed diminished Aβ42-positive reactants and augmented microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-LC3-positive reactants compared to group A. LC3-positive reactants were also detected in the hippocampal tissues of mice in groups C and D, surpassing the levels observed in groups A and B. Furthermore, group B demonstrated significantly lower expression of mTOR protein and markedly higher expression of LC3-II protein in mouse hippocampal tissues when compared to group A (P &lt; 0.05). Conversely, there were no significant disparities noted in PI3K and p62 protein expression between groups B and A. Notably, no discernible discrepancies were observed in the expression levels of mTOR, PI3K, LC3-II, and p62 proteins between groups C and D within mouse hippocampal tissues.ConclusionHBO treatment demonstrates efficacy in enhancing cognitive function in mice with AD and holds promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for AD by facilitating the activation of the mTOR pathway-mediated autophagy.
Causal links between blood inflammation markers and postherpetic neuralgia risk: insights from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yu , Jia Tian 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPrevious studies have suggested an association between blood inflammation-related factors and postherpetic neuralgia. However, the causal relationship between blood inflammation-related factors and postherpetic neuralgia remains unclear.MethodsWe employed a bidirectional Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationship between blood inflammation-related factors and postherpetic neuralgia. The instrumental variables were obtained from a large Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis dataset of European descent. The instrumental variables of the blood inflammation-related factors come from the database numbers GCST004420 to GCST004460 and GCST90029070. Postherpetic neuralgia has 195,191 samples with a total of 16,380,406 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). MR analyses were performed using inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods.ResultsThe MR results revealed a significant causal effect of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 Beta (MIP1β) on reducing the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (95%CI = 0.492–0.991, p = 0.044). Additionally, higher levels of interleukin (IL)-10 (95%CI = 0.973–0.998, p = 0.019) and IL-12p70 (95%CI = 0.973–0.997, p = 0.013) were associated with a lower risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Other inflammatory markers showed no significant causal relationship with this condition.ConclusionThis study identifies MIP1β, IL-10, and IL-12p70 as potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating postherpetic neuralgia, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
Efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab in the treatment of myasthenia gravis: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Xishuai , Zhang Wei , Guo Junhong , Ma Chunlin , Li Bingxia 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundRituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody that has been increasingly used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). In most studies, the therapeutic protocol of RTX has been similar to that adopted for B cell lymphoma, with an increasing number of studies aimed at exploring the efficacy of low-dose RTX in MG. However, the beneficial effects of low-dose RTX in MG remain a subject of critical debate.MethodsThis study was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Two reviewers (Xishuai Yang and Bingxia Li) independently conducted searches across multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). A meta-analysis, utilizing representative forest plots, was performed to assess “Improved clinical status” and changes in the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score before and after treatment.ResultsA total of 17 studies involving 292 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A noticeable improvement in clinical status was observed in 91% of patients at the final follow-up after therapy (95% CI: 84–96%, P &lt; 0.001). The QMG score showed a significant reduction following the treatment, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −1.69 (95% CI: −2.21 to −1.16, Z = 6.29, P &lt; 0.001). In the acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (AChR-MG) group, 90% of patients achieved improved clinical status (95% CI: 80–97%, P &lt; 0.001) and the QMG score significantly decreased after low-dose RTX treatment, with an SMD of −1.51 (95% CI: −0.80 to −2.21, Z = 4.50, P &lt; 0.001). In the muscle-specific kinase antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG) group, 97% of patients achieved improved clinical status (95% CI: 89–100%, P &lt; 0.001). The QMG score also significantly decreased following low-dose RTX treatment, with an SMD of −2.31 (95% CI: −2.99 to −1.62, Z = 6.60, P &lt; 0.001). Adverse effects were reported in 29 out of 207 patients (14%, including infusion reactions in 22 patients (10.1%), infections in three patients (1.45%), cytopenia in two patients (0.96%), eosinophilia in one patient (0.48%), and hemiplegia in one patient (0.48%). Additionally, one patient (0.48%) succumbed to complications from invasive thymoma.ConclusionOur meta-analysis shows that low-dose RTX is both effective and safe for treating MG.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier: CRD42024509951.